SWSiouxMN

Avants breaks the 8-0 run

back to back Bison TOs

UND is the one that looks out of sorts on offense

back to back 3's by NDSU 17-13

UND 17 NDSU 7 11:51 1st

It has been all UND to start this one, Bison need to get it going or this one could be over by the half

Shot Clock violation

Avants down low

Bison has scored all their points on 2nd chance opportunities

Geu finally breaks the Bison drought

Marlon 3 wide open

Bison turnover. They are all out of sorts right now.

UND 12 NDSU 3 16:08 1st

NDSU is ice cold UND is getting what it wants Marlon fouled on the 3

Brown 3

Walter from Marlon 7-3 UND

UND gets a 3 off a 2nd chance rebound. Nice shot Marlon, great hustle by Seales

didn't get it

Bison 3 off a 2nd chance Brown going to try it the old fashion way

UND gave it the old college try and nearly pulled off a big home win. However, it was too much Daum for their liking and SDSU was able to come away with the home win. UND will head down I-29 to take on in-state rival NDSU, who is trying to figure things out themselves. Things have not been going well for NDSU basketball program under Dave Richman, who exploded onto the scene with a surprising NCAA Tournament appearance and a Summit League Title in 2014-15. Since then, the program has dropped in its win total and has muddled in the middle of the Summit. Worse yet, they had a massive overhaul of their roster in which they have zero seniors. Richman knows that the pressure is starting to build as many in Fargo are not too pleased with the progression of the program, especially with the success down in Brookings. They know they have to turn it around and fast. Key Player: Tyson Ward (6'6 Junior) Could have went with a few players here but I went with the lanky 6'6 guard from Tampa. He has had a solid start to the Summit League play as he scored double figures in 4 of the first 5 games. He has done most of his damaged inside, taking less shots from 3 this season so far, but he has shown the capability of knocking a few down. Very good rebounder. X-Factor: Deng Geu (6'8 Junior) Deng continues to improve every year he has been in the program. He's playing around 20 minutes, but is nearly averaging 12 points in that time and 5.3 rebounds per game. He will shoot a 3 pointer every now and then but he will do most of his damage on the inside. Shooting 59% from the field Keys: 1) Attack NDSU defense 2) Get off to a good start 3) Lean on the seniors and Stewart to lead the way in the tough moments. Other games: Fort Wayne (4-1) @ WIU (1-5) ORU (4-2) @ DU (1-5) USD (2-3) @ Omaha (4-1) The Call: When this rivalry got started up again there has been trends in the results. First it was all the home teams winning, recently it has been the road teams. This is a must win for both teams to be honest as both teams needs to get some space away from the DU/WIU cellar. I'm making my pick for two reasons: I think UND is player better right now and I'm sticking with the road team trend for right now. UND 79-72 Reminder: Keep it clean everyone.

What if Marlon had started the season eligible, this team is way better with him involved.

He's got some characteristics to be desired, but if he had a little more luck on the injury front and the NCAA not pulling a screwjob he might have 2 or 3 visits to the dance instead of one.

UND bounced back from a tough loss against Omaha by taking down Western Illinois, behind strong games from Stewart and Avants. Now UND will finish their 3 game homestand against perennial power and pre-season favorite SDSU. SDSU was picked as the prohibited favorite in the Summit and some expectations could have had SDSU running the Summit League table and perhaps getting an at-large if things went wrong in Sioux Falls. Well both those ideas went out the window. However, they are still the team to beat when push comes to shove. They have been the gold standard in the Summit. There is one thing that still is eluding the Jackrabbits: a few NCAA victories. With one of the best players in the mid majors in his last year, the heir apparent, and a in-state player blossoming to create a solid 3 headed monster, it might be the best chance of doing so... provided they get in of course. Key Player: Mike Daum This man needs no explanation, he has been the best player in the Summit League since his Sophomore Year. This guy can pretty much do it all and is once again averaging a double-double. He is coming off his best game in a while, where he went for 37 points and 8 rebounds. How UND decided to We will be interesting to see what he will be doing at the next level. How Tim Miles missed on him, we will never know. X-Factor: David Jenkins If you are looking for the post-Daum leader: here he is. He has built off his impressive freshman season with a superb sophomore season thus far. He is shooting it lights out from 3, 49.6% so far, and has provided a great secondary scoring punch thus far. Keys: 1) Pick your poison: How will UND defend SDSU? Will Jones go with the old: Let Daum score 40, stop everyone else or will he devise something to slow him down and hope everyone else does their jobs. 2) Got to get the breaks: If UND wants to walk away with this, they need to scrap for every loose ball, take advantage of 2nd chance opportunities, win every 50-50 rebound and loose ball, and they have to hit the big shots 3) Come out swinging: UND needs to throw the first punch and needs to come out flying. This needs to be the best start they have had this season. Other game: NDSU (2-2) @ DU (0-5) The Call: As much as I want to pick UND and have them produce a big upset. The three headed monster that SDSU employs will be far too much SDSU 90-75

Wait, I thought they were only a "tweak" away

Here's the other thing: Where does this leave the golf program? There is now an $150,000 elephant in the room, and this one is from the conference perspective.