North Dakota State Bison Hold Off South Dakota State Jackrabbits 74-66 Behind Damari Wheeler-Thomas's 23 Points

The North Dakota State Bison traveled to the First Bank & Trust Arena to face off against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits, looking to extend their winning streak and improve their standing. South Dakota State, on the other hand, was seeking to bounce back from a 2-3 record over their last 5 games, where they averaged 74.4 points per game but allowed 73 points per game to their opponents. The Bison came out strong, scoring 37 points in the first period, while the Jackrabbits managed 34 points. This 3-point lead would set the tone for the rest of the game, as North Dakota State maintained a consistent pace, scoring another 37 points in the second period. The Jackrabbits, however, were unable to close the gap, scoring 32 points in the second period, resulting in a final score of 74-66 in favor of the Bison. Damari Wheeler-Thomas led the charge for North Dakota State, scoring 23 points, while Damon Wilkinson and Matthew Mors each scored 18 points for South Dakota State.

As the game progressed, it became clear that North Dakota State's offense was too much for the Jackrabbits to handle. The Bison's ability to score consistently, with 37 points in each period, allowed them to maintain a comfortable lead throughout the game. South Dakota State, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm, scoring 34 points in the first period but only 32 in the second. This inconsistency in scoring ultimately cost them the game, as they were unable to overcome the deficit. The Jackrabbits' recent trend of averaging 74.4 points per game over their last 5 games was not enough to overcome the Bison's strong offense, which has been averaging 84.2 points per game over their last 5 games.

The star performers of the game, including Damari Wheeler-Thomas and Damon Wilkinson, played a crucial role in the outcome. Wheeler-Thomas's 23 points were instrumental in securing the win for North Dakota State, while Wilkinson's 18 points and 8 rebounds were not enough to propel the Jackrabbits to victory. Noah Feddersen's 19 points for the Bison also contributed significantly to their win, as he hit several big shots to maintain their lead. On the other hand, Matthew Mors's 18 points for the Jackrabbits were not enough to overcome the deficit, as he vanished in the second half, scoring only 6 points. Luke Haertle's 8 points and 5 rebounds for the Jackrabbits were also not enough to make a significant impact on the game.

The CHD Scout prediction of North Dakota State winning by 7.7 points was accurate, as they ultimately won by 8 points.

The prediction was correct because North Dakota State's strong offense, which has been averaging 84.2 points per game over their last 5 games, was too much for the Jackrabbits to handle. The Bison's ability to score consistently, with 37 points in each period, allowed them to maintain a comfortable lead throughout the game. Additionally, the Jackrabbits' inconsistency in scoring, with 34 points in the first period but only 32 in the second, ultimately cost them the game. The model correctly accounted for these factors, resulting in an accurate prediction.

The win for North Dakota State marks their 22nd victory of the season, solidifying their position with a 4-1 record over their last 5 games. This win, combined with their recent trend of outscoring opponents by an average of 10.2 points, makes them a formidable opponent in the conference. South Dakota State, on the other hand, falls to 12-16, with a 2-3 record over their last 5 games. The Jackrabbits' inability to close the gap and overcome the deficit ultimately cost them the game, and they must regroup and refocus to improve their standing.

The win for North Dakota State has real consequences for their tournament picture. With a current NET rank of 125, the Bison are well-positioned to make a strong case for a tournament bid. Their Quad 3 win over South Dakota State, who has a NET rank of 203, is a significant boost to their resume. The Bison's ability to win on the road, combined with their strong offense and consistent scoring, makes them a strong contender for a tournament spot. On the other hand, the loss for South Dakota State is a significant setback, as they fall further behind in the conference standings. The Jackrabbits must regroup and refocus to improve their standing and make a push for a tournament bid.

In conclusion, the North Dakota State Bison's 74-66 win over the South Dakota State Jackrabbits was a significant victory, solidifying their position and improving their tournament picture. The Bison's strong offense and consistent scoring, combined with their ability to win on the road, make them a formidable opponent in the conference. The Jackrabbits, on the other hand, must regroup and refocus to improve their standing and make a push for a tournament bid. With 22 wins on the season, North Dakota State is poised to make a strong run in the conference tournament, and their recent form, with a 4-1 record over their last 5 games, suggests they have the momentum to carry them through.