North Dakota State Preview – Corn Nation

Date: Saturday, November 28th

Time: 11:00am cst

Location: Lincoln, NE

TV: BTN

2019-20 Record: 25-8 (13-3 Summit League)

2020-21 Record: 0-1

Coach: David Richmond

Preview

They say it’s tough to have a top notch football team and basketball team together. If true, the North Dakota State Bison are bucking the average.

The Bison men’s basketball team is coming off of a season that saw them 25-8 and the top of the Summit League. They tied with South Dakota State for the regular season title and beat Oral Roberts for the tournament trophy. A big year in basketball for what most people look at as a football school.

They bring back almost everyone from that stellar run. Like Nebraska, they lost to Nevada in the Golden Window Tournament. However, their loss was a little big bigger as they fell to the Wolfpack 62-48 on Wednesday.

They are lead by Sam Griesel. The sophomore guard had 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists in the loss to Nevada on Wednesday. He only averaged 6.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1 assist per game last season but improved his playing as the season went on. His strength is his inside shot as he was 50% form the floor inside the three point line. Outside, was a different story. Sam only hit 25% form beyond the arch his freshman year.

Tyree Eddy is another guard to keep an eye on. The Junior from Wisconsin averaged 11 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists in their loss to Nevada on Wednesday. Leading the Bison in points. A big jump from a year ago where he averaged 6.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. Will he be a threat to the Husker or was his improvement just a one game jump?

Also of note is senior forward Rocky Kreuser. The 6’10” senior had 6 points, 10 rebounds, and 1 assist against Nevada. Last year he had 8.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1 assist per game. Expect more of the same under the basket against Nebraska as he should be the main rebounder for NDSU. The Huskers should be able to pull down against him in the paint as the night goes on.

Prediction

The Bison are talented and bring back enough of last years team to be a threat. However, I think Nebraska has more than enough to send NDSU back to North Dakota with a loss. Unlike against Nevada, the Huskers have a full days rest before they take on the Bison and I believe that this will make sure that Nebraska ends the Tournament with a solid win against the Summit League contender.