Imagine a basketball team on fire, dominating their opponents with precision and skill. That's exactly what the North Dakota State Bison did on Monday night, securing their 10th victory in 11 games with a stunning 101-67 win over Minnesota Crookston. But here's where it gets even more impressive: This triumph marks the program's best start since the 2012-13 season, when they opened with a remarkable 16-3 record. Could this be the year the Bison make a deep postseason run? Only time will tell.
In their final home non-conference game before Summit League play, the Bison showcased their depth and versatility. Markhi Strickland led the charge with an efficient 19 points on 9-of-10 shooting, proving why he's a key player to watch. Damari Wheeler-Thomas chipped in 14 points, while Andy Stefonowicz and Noah Feddersen each added 10. Feddersen also dominated the boards with six rebounds, a critical contribution often overlooked in highlight reels. And this is the part most people miss: Tay Smith's six steals were part of a team effort that saw the Bison rack up 16 steals, highlighting their relentless defensive pressure.
What's truly remarkable is the team's balance—nine players scored at least seven points, demonstrating the Bison's ability to spread the offense and keep defenses guessing. Shooting 53 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range, NDSU proved they can score from anywhere on the court. But here's a controversial take: With such a strong start, should the Bison be considered a dark horse contender in the Summit League? Or is their success simply a product of a favorable early schedule?
The Bison's only loss in the last 40 days was a close 85-80 overtime defeat at Arkansas State on Nov. 28, showing their resilience and ability to compete in tough games. Now, they head to El Paso, Texas, for the Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational on Dec. 21-22. Facing UC Irvine on Sunday and either Norfolk State or UTEP on Monday, the Bison have a chance to further solidify their reputation as a force to be reckoned with. And this is the question we leave you with: Can the Bison maintain their momentum and make a statement on the national stage? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think this team has what it takes to go all the way?
