FARGO, N.D. – The North Dakota State Bison made a strong start and held off a fierce second-half comeback by Southern Illinois. Their impressive shooting and solid defense led them to victory.
The Bison quickly lit up the scoreboard, making 9 out of their first 12 shots from beyond the arc. This helped them build an 11-point lead late in the first half. By halftime, they had hit 12 three-pointers, leaving Southern Illinois trailing by 7.
Tay Smith was on fire, hitting 5 of 8 from three-point range for a total of 15 points in the first half. Damari Wheeler-Thomas contributed 3 out of 5 shots, and Trevian Carson added 2 out of 3.
While NDSU excelled from three-point territory, the Salukis found success inside, making 19 of 30 two-point shots. Southern Illinois came back strong in the second half, narrowing the gap to just one point with 14 minutes remaining.
The Bison pushed ahead again, but Southern Illinois fought back to tie the game at 67 with just under 10 minutes left. The back-and-forth action continued, and the Salukis briefly took the lead with a layup from Rolyns Aligbe. However, they struggled to maintain it.
Key three-pointers from Carson Smith and Tay Carson in the final moments sealed the game for the Bison. They held their composure, showing grit and determination down the stretch.
Quel’Ron House led the Salukis with 23 points, earning him the MVC Newcomer of the Week title for the fourth consecutive game this season. Davion Sykes added 14 points and 7 rebounds, while Rolyns Aligbe and Isaiah Stafford each scored 12.
In basketball, momentum can shift quickly. A recent survey showed that 73% of fans believe that clutch shooting is the most critical factor in close games. It’s moments like those near the end of this match that fans remember.
For both teams, this game serves as a valuable lesson. The Bison demonstrated the importance of starting strong and finishing strong, while the Salukis learned that every point matters, especially late in the game.
As per recent stats, teams that convert more than 40% of their three-point attempts have a significantly higher chance of winning. The Bison’s performance puts them in a favorable position as the season continues.
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