The North Dakota State University men’s basketball team lost to Michigan State, 92-67, in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at KeyBank Center on March 19.
This game marked the end of the Bison’s season, which concluded with a record of 27-8 and set a new school record for wins. The team entered the tournament as a No. 14 seed after sweeping both the Summit League regular season and tournament titles.
Damari Wheeler-Thomas led North Dakota State with 16 points, while Trevian Carson contributed 11 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. Michigan State shot 59 percent from the field and made half of its three-point attempts. In comparison, North Dakota State shot 44 percent overall and made six out of twenty-five three-pointers.
Michigan State built an early lead by going on a 10-0 run late in the first half, extending their advantage to 35-18 before leading by twenty at halftime. Although North Dakota State narrowed the gap to sixteen points late in the second half, they were unable to get closer before time expired.
The Bison’s appearance in this year’s tournament was their sixth all-time bid.
