Gophers Edge Out Bison in Exhibition Thriller
MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. - The North Dakota State men's basketball team faced a challenging start to their exhibition season, falling to the University of Minnesota's Gophers by a score of 80-54 on Thursday night. The Bison, led by junior guard Trevian Carson, initially took a 23-18 lead just over 11 minutes into the game. However, the Gophers responded with a dominant 13-0 run, seizing the lead and never looking back.
NDSU's Markhi Strickland contributed nine points and five rebounds, while Max Majerle and Damari Wheeler-Thomas each scored seven points. Despite their efforts, the Bison struggled to maintain their early momentum, as Minnesota's hot streak continued. With 11 minutes left in the second half, the Gophers led 49-40, and they sealed the victory with a 14-0 run, showcasing their offensive prowess.
The game statistics revealed a slight edge for the Gophers in terms of shooting percentage, with 48% compared to the Bison's 35%. Minnesota's three-point shooting was particularly impressive, making 11-of-28 attempts, while NDSU managed only 5-of-24 from beyond the arc. Yet, the Bison's disciplined play resulted in just nine turnovers throughout the game.
Looking ahead, the Bison will have a chance to bounce back when they host MSU Moorhead in an exhibition game at the Scheels Center on Thursday, October 23rd. This upcoming match will be a crucial test for the team as they prepare for the regular season, aiming to improve their performance and secure a stronger position in the conference.
