Bison Women’s Basketball Opens Summit League Play Riding Nine-Game Win Streak
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The North Dakota State women’s basketball team (11-2) enters a pivotal stretch of the season, opening Summit League play on Thursday against Oral roberts (7-6) at 7:00 p.m. CT. The bison will continue their road trip on Saturday with a matchup against denver (6-7) at 1:00 p.m. CT.
dominating Non-Conference Performance Sets Stage for League Play
NDSU concluded non-conference action with a resounding 94-36 victory over Saint Mary’s on Monday, extending their notable win streak to nine games. This dominant stretch has positioned the Bison as a strong contender in the Summit League. “We’ve built a lot of momentum heading into conference play,” a senior official stated. “The team is confident adn ready to compete.”
Key Players to Watch
Leading the charge for NDSU is Avery koenen, who is currently ranked among the nation’s best in multiple statistical categories. Koenen is fourth nationally in field goal percentage (65.9%), fifth in double-doubles (8), sixth in free throw attempts (93), 18th in defensive rebounds per game (7.5), 14th in free throws made (66), and 21st in total rebounds (129). She recently earned her third Summit league Peak Performer of the Week award on December 23rd, averaging 20.0 points and 11.0 rebounds during a 2-0 stretch at the Malibu Classic.
Koenen’s performance against Nebraska, where she scored a game-high 26 points on a season-best 11-of-15 shooting, highlighted her ability to perform against Power Four opponents. She is currently 86 points shy of reaching 1,000 career points.
Series History & Road Challenges
The Bison face a challenging road schedule, beginning with oral Roberts. This will be the 36th all-time meeting between the two programs, with the Golden Eagles holding a 23-12 series advantage. NDSU has struggled in Tulsa, posting a 1-15 record in road matchups against Oral Roberts and falling short in their last meeting, 100-84.
the series against Denver presents a more favorable outlook for NDSU, holding a 64-59 overall record and having won the last five meetings, including a 64-59 victory in Denver last season.
Impressive Team Statistics & Bench Depth
Beyond Koenen’s individual brilliance, NDSU boasts impressive team statistics. The Bison are shooting 48.0% from the field,ranking 19th in the nation,and have held four opponents to under 50 points this season. Their bench is also contributing significantly, netting 20 or more points in eight games, led by karrington Asp, who averages 12.2 points and 5.4 rebounds in 20.4 minutes per game.
Looking Ahead: Summit League & Beyond
NDSU was selected to finish second in the Summit League Preseason Poll, receiving two first-place votes. Jocelyn Schiller joined Koenen on the All-Summit League Preseason First Team, while Marisa Frost was named to the Second Team. Koenen is also on the preseason watch list for the 2026 Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year Award, becoming the first player in Bison history to earn this recognition.
The Bison are aiming for a third consecutive 20-win season, having posted a 21-12 record last year. Their recent success, including a 4-0 start to the season in true road games – a feat not accomplished since 2004-05 – demonstrates their ability to perform under pressure. NDSU currently ranks No. 15 in the College Insider Mid-Major Top 25 Poll.
Fans can follow the action through live statistics, video, and audio links available on GoBison.com/coverage. The Bison Basketball Radio Show, featuring head coaches Jory Collins and David Richman, airs live on Bison 1660 on Mondays throughout the season.
NDSU will return home to host kansas City on Thursday, January 8, with tip-off scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at the Scheels Center.
