SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The North Dakota State women’s basketball team delivered a dominant performance in the quarterfinal round of the Summit League Tournament on Thursday, defeating Omaha 87-37 at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center. The victory, witnessed by a crowd of 6,176, propels the top-seeded Bison (27-3, 15-1 Summit League) into the tournament semifinals. NDSU’s decisive win underscores their position as a strong contender for the conference championship and an automatic berth into the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament.
The Bison’s offensive firepower was on full display, led by a stellar performance from Marisa Frost, who scored a game-high 28 points. Avery Koenen added 23 points, and Karrington Asp, making her first career start, contributed 11 points with eight rebounds. The team’s cohesive play and efficient shooting—50.8 percent from the field and 75.0 percent from the free throw line—proved too much for Omaha to handle. This level of performance highlights the depth and versatility of the NDSU roster, making them a formidable opponent in the tournament.
Frost’s Career Day Fuels Bison Victory
Marisa Frost’s 28-point outing was particularly noteworthy, marking the second-highest point total by a Bison player in Summit League Tournament history. Only Brooke LeMar, who scored 29 points against Oral Roberts in 2015, has surpassed Frost’s performance in the tournament. Frost’s efficiency—shooting 11-of-13 from the field and 4-of-5 from three-point range—was a key factor in NDSU’s commanding lead. Her ability to score from both inside and outside the arc created significant challenges for the Omaha defense.
Koenen Reaches Scoring Milestone
Avery Koenen’s 23-point performance wasn’t just a contribution to the win; it also marked a significant milestone in her career. With her scoring output, Koenen increased her season total to 581 points, the most by any Bison player in the program’s Division I era and the seventh-highest overall in NDSU women’s basketball history. This achievement underscores Koenen’s consistent impact on the team and her growing legacy within the program.
Dominant Performance From Start to Finish
North Dakota State established control early, opening up a 19-11 lead after the first quarter. They extended their advantage in the second quarter with a seven-point run fueled by Frost, pushing the score to 28-13 at the 5:00 mark. The Bison never trailed in the contest, maintaining a double-digit lead throughout the remainder of the game. This consistent dominance reflects their preparation, execution, and overall team cohesion. NDSU’s 33 field goals were the most scored by a Bison team in Summit League Tournament history.
Looking Ahead to the Semifinals
The Bison will now advance to the semifinal round of the Summit League Tournament, where they will face the winner of Thursday’s matchup between fourth-seeded Oral Roberts and fifth-seeded St. Thomas. That semifinal game is scheduled for Friday at 12:00 p.m. CT at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center. Fans can stream the game on the Summit League Network and the MIDCO Sports Plus app, with subscription options available for broader access to Summit League content. The winner of that game will advance to the championship game on Saturday.
The next game for NDSU is scheduled for Friday, March 7th at 12:00 p.m. CT against either Oral Roberts or St. Thomas. Fans can also tune in on Bison 1660 radio.
The Bison’s impressive performance in the quarterfinals demonstrates their readiness for a deep tournament run. Their balanced scoring, efficient shooting, and unwavering defense position them as a strong favorite to claim the Summit League title and secure a spot in the NCAA tournament.
What do you think of NDSU’s chances in the Summit League Tournament? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow Bison fans!
