In a stunning turn of events, North Dakota State pulled off a monumental upset at the Scheels Center, taking down St. Thomas 68-65. The Bison, ranked 117th in the nation, handed the 114th-ranked Tommies their sixth loss of the season, sending shockwaves through the college basketball landscape. This victory marked a significant statement for North Dakota State, as they proved they can hang with top-tier opponents.
The game got off to a hot start, with St. Thomas taking a 35-34 lead into halftime. Nolan Minessale, the Tommies' top performer, was unstoppable in the first half, racking up 10 points and 4 assists to keep his team ahead. However, North Dakota State's Trevian Carson was equally impressive, scoring 10 points and grabbing 4 rebounds to keep the Bison within striking distance.
The second half saw North Dakota State come out strong, with Carson and Treyson Anderson leading the charge. Anderson's 9 rebounds, including 4 on the offensive glass, allowed the Bison to control the tempo and limit St. Thomas' scoring opportunities. Meanwhile, Emil Skytta chipped in with 11 points, including a few crucial baskets late. As the clock ticked down, North Dakota State's defense stiffened, holding St. Thomas to just 30 points in the second half.
Minessale finished with 16 points and 6 assists, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Bison's balanced attack. Isaiah Johnson-Arigu added 15 points for the Tommies, while Nick Janowski contributed 11 points and 5 rebounds. Despite their best efforts, St. Thomas couldn't overcome the determined Bison.
The implications of this upset cannot be overstated. North Dakota State's victory over St. Thomas marks a significant Quad 3 win, which will undoubtedly boost their tournament resume. On the other hand, the loss will likely drop St. Thomas down the rankings, as they suffered a Quad 2 defeat. As the season enters its final stretch, every game takes on added importance, and North Dakota State's win will be a crucial factor in their tournament chances.
This result will undoubtedly send ripples through the college basketball world, as North Dakota State's upset win over St. Thomas serves as a reminder that anything can happen on any given night. With their 18-5 record, the Bison are making a strong case for themselves as a tournament contender. As for St. Thomas, they'll need to regroup and refocus to get their season back on track. For now, North Dakota State basks in the glory of their stunning upset, a win that will undoubtedly be a highlight of their season. The Bison's tournament hopes just got a significant boost, and they'll look to build on this momentum as they push towards the postseason.