Imagine this: a basketball game where the momentum shifts dramatically, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. That's exactly what happened when the North Dakota State Bison faced off against the University of Minnesota Gophers in an exhibition match that ended with a decisive 80-54 victory for the Gophers. But here's where it gets intriguing—despite the Bison's strong start, leading 23-18 just over 11 minutes in, the Gophers unleashed a 13-0 scoring spree that turned the tide for good. This raises the question: What could the Bison have done differently to maintain their early lead?
The Bison's standout performer was junior guard Trevian Carson, who led the team with 14 points. Senior Markhi Strickland contributed nine points and grabbed five rebounds, while Max Majerle and Damari Wheeler-Thomas each chipped in with seven points. And this is the part most people miss—despite their efforts, the Bison struggled to keep up with the Gophers' shooting accuracy. Minnesota shot 48 percent from the field compared to the Bison's 35 percent, and the Gophers' 11 three-pointers (out of 28 attempts) dwarfed the Bison's 5-of-24 performance from beyond the arc. This disparity in shooting efficiency was a game-changer.
Another notable aspect was the Bison's ability to minimize turnovers, committing only nine throughout the game—a testament to their ball control. However, here’s a controversial take: Could the Bison have focused more on high-percentage shots instead of relying heavily on three-pointers, which clearly weren’t falling? It’s a strategy worth debating.
With 11 minutes left in the second half, the Gophers extended their lead from 49-40 to a commanding advantage by scoring 14 consecutive points, effectively sealing the game. Now, as the Bison prepare to host MSU Moorhead in their next exhibition game at the Scheels Center on October 23, fans are left wondering: Can they bounce back and fine-tune their game plan?
What’s your take? Do you think the Bison’s early lead was a fluke, or did the Gophers simply outplay them? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation!
