Denver Stuns North Dakota State in 78-71 Upset

In a stunning turn of events, Denver pulled off a monumental upset at the Scheels Center, taking down North Dakota State 78-71. This outcome sent shockwaves through the college basketball world, as the Pioneers, ranked 272 in the net rankings, defeated the 115th-ranked Bison. The pre-game prediction had North Dakota State winning by 11.4 points, but Denver had other plans, silencing the home crowd with a remarkable performance.

The Pioneers came out strong, building a six-point lead by halftime, with the score reading 40-34 in their favor. Markhi Strickland, North Dakota State's top performer, did his best to keep the Bison in the game, scoring 19 points and grabbing six rebounds. However, Denver's balanced attack, led by Carson Johnson's 20 points, proved too much for the home team to handle. Zane Nelson and Jeremiah Burke also made significant contributions, with Nelson tallying 19 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, and Burke adding 15 points to the mix.

As the second half unfolded, North Dakota State attempted to mount a comeback, with Noah Feddersen and Tay Smith joining Strickland in double figures. Despite their best efforts, the Bison were unable to overcome the deficit, and Denver maintained their lead throughout the half. The Pioneers' 38 second-half points were just enough to secure the 78-71 victory.

The implications of this upset cannot be overstated. For North Dakota State, this loss is a Quadrant 4 defeat, which could potentially harm their tournament chances. On the other hand, Denver's win is a Quadrant 2 victory, significantly bolstering their resume. Given their current net ranking of 272, the Pioneers were not expected to be a factor in the tournament conversation, but this upset has thrown their name into the mix.

CHD Scout's pre-game prediction, which had North Dakota State winning by 11.4 points, was proved incorrect, highlighting the unpredictability of college basketball. The actual margin of victory, seven points in favor of Denver, is a reflection of the Pioneers' determination and skill.

As the season enters its final stretch, this result will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the tournament landscape. Denver's upset victory over North Dakota State has significant resume implications, as it demonstrates the Pioneers' ability to compete with and defeat higher-ranked opponents. While their net ranking of 272 still leaves them on the outside looking in, this Quadrant 2 win has given them a glimmer of hope. For North Dakota State, the loss is a setback, but they still boast a strong 19-6 record and want to bounce back in their next outing. The Bison must regroup and refocus to ensure this upset does not derail their tournament aspirations.