For the 1st time since 2023, NDSU is playing for the Summit League championship
NDSU beat Omaha 74-50 in the conference semifinals
SIOUX FALLS, SD (KVRR) – Like a prized, heavyweight boxer, the North Dakota State Bison went for the knockout punch by starting the Summit League men’s basketball semifinals up 11-0 on Omaha. And they never looked back, winning 74-50 and sending the Bison to the conference championship game for the 1st time since 2023.
“It all goes back to fun,” said NDSU Head Coach Dave Richman. ” I can’t believe it is March 7. I can’t believe tomorrow we’re going to play for the NCAA tournament. It’s insane, time flies when you’re having fun. And these are a bunch of just great dudes to be around.”
Just like in the quarterfinals against Oral Roberts, Treyson Anderson provided the early spark for NDSU and finished with 16 points and five rebounds. While the Bison have leaned on the defense this season, Anderson has been a crucial piece on offense for Coach Richman. Especially when NDSU can employ their pick-and-roll offense with Anderson and Andy Stefonowicz.
“Drop it off for him knowing he’s going to get a dunk. It makes my job really easy.” said Stefonowicz.
This tournament run is stark in contrast to the 2024-25 campaign when the Bison limped into the tournament with a large list of injuries and lost in the quarterfinals to South Dakota. A year later, NDSU is now playing for a chance to win the Summit League championship and an automatic bid for the NCAA Division I men’s basketball national tournament.
The championship game is set for 8:00 p.m. on Sunday in Sioux Falls at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center.
