North Dakota State dominated Missouri-Kansas City in a lopsided 95-59 victory, with the Bison establishing a commanding lead early. The final margin of 36 points was a testament to the significant gap in talent and execution between the two teams.
The disparity was evident from the opening tip, as North Dakota State (NET #119) controlled the tempo and outscored Kansas City (NET #355) 56-26 in the first half. The lead was sustained in the second half, with the Bison holding a 39-33 advantage.
Treyson Anderson led the charge for North Dakota State, notching a game-high 20 points on 7-of-12 shooting from the field, including a perfect 4-of-5 from three-point range. He also contributed 11 rebounds, 2 assists, and a block, demonstrating his well-rounded skillset. Anderson's efficient shooting and rebounding efforts were key in North Dakota State's decisive victory.
Damari Wheeler-Thomas and Noah Feddersen also played significant roles in the win. Wheeler-Thomas scored 16 points on 6-of-12 shooting, with 4-of-8 attempts from beyond the arc. He also dished out 3 assists, showing his ability to facilitate the offense. Feddersen added 15 points and 8 rebounds, while also blocking a shot and contributing a block. His inside presence helped to neutralize Kansas City's post play, allowing North Dakota State to assert control on the glass.
Kasheem Grady II's 15 points, though respectable, fell short of what was needed to propel Kansas City to victory. His 6-of-12 shooting from the field and 2-of-7 mark from beyond the arc indicate a capable, if not fully effective, performance. Grady II's inability to significantly impact the game in other areas, such as rebounding or playmaking, hindered Kansas City's chances.
Karmello Branch and Chris Dockery struggled to find their footing, combining for 17 points on 7-of-18 shooting from the field. Branch's 1-of-8 mark from three-point range and Dockery's 1-of-2 effort from the free throw line suggest a lack of efficiency in their shooting. Meanwhile, Dockery's 5 rebounds and 3 assists were not enough to compensate for the team's overall lack of production.
Andy Stefonowicz's performance was a notable departure from his season averages, as he nearly doubled his assists per game while maintaining his rebounding average, underscoring a significant shift in his playmaking role. His 11 assists also hinted at an increased emphasis on ball distribution, particularly in the absence of his more prolific scoring teammates, who were otherwise subdued.
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Final
The pre-game prediction of a 29.4-point North Dakota State victory ultimately proved correct, as the Bison dominated the Kansas City Roos by a margin of 36 points. While the extent of the blowout was a bit more severe than anticipated, the outcome was a testament to North Dakota State's significant improvement in efficiency on both ends of the court.
A closer examination of the in-game statistics reveals that North Dakota State's exceptional shooting was a decisive factor in the game's outcome. The team's elevated effective field goal percentage, which surged to 60.7% from its season average of 53.6%, was particularly telling. Meanwhile, Kansas City struggled to find its footing from beyond the arc, converting just 22.6% of its three-point attempts - a significant drop from its season average of 27.9%. Additionally, North Dakota State's ability to secure a substantial advantage on the glass, with an OREB rate of 42.9%, helped to limit Kansas City's scoring opportunities and seal the Bison's victory.
The victory for North Dakota State serves as a significant boost to their NCAA Tournament resume, bolstering their case for a 12-seed or higher with a now-impressive 23-6 overall record and a NET ranking of #119. The Bison have yet to register a Quad 1 or Quad 2 loss, further solidifying their chances of securing a favorable seed line. Conversely, Kansas City's defeat has severely hampered their postseason prospects, with their 4-24 record and NET ranking of #355 all but guaranteeing a 16-seed assignment, as their Quad 1 and Quad 2 losses have now reached critical mass. The Jayhawks' NCAA Tournament fate appears all but sealed, with their once-promising season now teetering on the brink of a non-participation.