North Dakota State Holds Off Omaha Behind Balanced Attack

North Dakota State extended its strong season with a 92-84 victory over Nebraska-Omaha at the Scheels Center, improving to 20-6 overall. The Bison were led by a balanced effort, with Noah Feddersen pacing the team with 18 points and 6 rebounds. Andy Stefonowicz added 14 points and 8 assists, while Damari Wheeler-Thomas chipped in 13 points. The win marked a strong performance by North Dakota State, which was predicted to win by 15.4 points by CHD Scout, and although the margin was narrower, the Bison's victory was never truly in doubt.

The first half saw North Dakota State dominate, taking a 46-33 lead into the break. Omaha's Paul Djobet kept his team within striking distance, scoring 15 of his game-high 38 points in the first half. Djobet's impressive outing was a key factor in Omaha's ability to stay competitive, as he also grabbed 6 rebounds. In the second half, Omaha pushed the pace, outscoring North Dakota State 51-46, but the Bison's lead proved insurmountable. Ja'Sean Glover and Tony Osburn supported Djobet with 16 and 14 points, respectively, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Bison's balanced attack.

North Dakota State's ability to maintain its lead was a reflection of its depth and resilience. The Bison's strong first half set the tone for the game, and although Omaha made a push in the second half, North Dakota State's defense held firm. The win marked a crucial victory for the Bison, as they look to solidify their position in the conference standings. With the victory, North Dakota State remains in the hunt for a strong tournament seed, and its performance against Omaha will be a key factor in its resume.

The game had real consequences for both teams' tournament chances. For North Dakota State, the win marked a Quadrant 4 victory, which, while not overly impressive, still helps to bolster its resume. On the other hand, Omaha's loss was a Quadrant 2 defeat, which will likely have a minimal impact on its already slim tournament hopes. As the season enters its final stretch, North Dakota State want to build on this win and continue to make a case for itself as a tournament contender.