North Dakota State asserted its dominance over South Dakota State, securing a 76-65 victory at the Scheels Center. The Bison's strong performance was fueled by Treyson Anderson, who delivered 20 points and 6 rebounds to lead his team to a convincing win. Anderson's impressive outing was complemented by Trevian Carson and Markhi Strickland, who added 14 and 12 points, respectively, to the Bison's tally.
The game got off to a sluggish start for South Dakota State, as they managed only 23 points in the first half, trailing North Dakota State 35-23 at the break. The Jackrabbits' struggles continued in the second half, despite a valiant effort from Jaden Jackson, who finished with 16 points and 8 rebounds. Jackson's performance was one of the few bright spots for South Dakota State, as they were unable to overcome the deficit.
North Dakota State's second-half surge, where they scored 41 points, sealed the deal for the Bison. The team's balanced attack and stifling defense made it difficult for the Jackrabbits to mount a comeback. The Bison's lead ballooned to as many as 15 points in the second half, and they never looked back.
The win improves North Dakota State's record to 16-5, while South Dakota State drops to 10-10. This outcome was expected, given the teams' respective net rankings, with North Dakota State sitting at 134 and South Dakota State at 181. The Bison's victory is a reflection of their strength and depth, as they continue to build a strong resume.
For North Dakota State, this win, although expected, is still a valuable addition to their resume, classified as a Quadrant 4 victory. While it may not significantly boost their tournament chances, it helps to solidify their position and demonstrates their ability to take care of business against lesser opponents. On the other hand, South Dakota State's loss, categorized as a Quadrant 2 defeat, is not overly damaging, but it does highlight the team's need to perform better against top-tier opponents.
As the season progresses, North Dakota State want to build on this momentum, leveraging their strong performance to propel themselves up the rankings. With Treyson Anderson and company leading the charge, the Bison are poised to make a deep run in the tournament. For South Dakota State, the focus shifts to regrouping and preparing for their next challenge, as they strive to strengthen their resume and improve their tournament prospects. The Jackrabbits must learn from this loss and use it as an opportunity to grow and develop as a team.