The North Dakota State University men’s basketball team will play against Michigan State in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament on March 19 in Buffalo, New York, according to a March 16 announcement. The game is scheduled for approximately 4:05 p.m. Eastern Time at the KeyBank Center and will be broadcast on TNT.
This matchup marks the first meeting between North Dakota State and Michigan State. The Bison enter the tournament as a No. 14 seed, while Michigan State holds the No. 3 seed. North Dakota State is seeking its third Division I NCAA Tournament victory after setting a new school record with 27 wins this season, surpassing previous records set in 1924-25, 2008-09, and 2013-14.
Head coach David Richman was named Summit League Coach of the Year for the second time and is also a finalist for the Hugh Durham Award, which recognizes top mid-major head coaches nationally. “Coach of the Year: Head coach David Richman was named the Summit League Coach of the Year for the second time in his career, joining 2014-15 when he claimed the honor in his first year. He has also been named a finalist for the Hugh Durham Award, presented annually by CollegeInsider.com to the top mid-major head coach in college basketball.” Damari Wheeler-Thomas was recognized as Most Valuable Player of the Summit League Tournament and surpassed 1,000 career points during that event.
The Bison have demonstrated balanced scoring throughout league play with five players averaging double figures: Damari Wheeler-Thomas (13.4), Treyson Anderson (12.7), Trevian Carson (11.9), Noah Feddersen (10.9), and Markhi Strickland (10.4). The team also achieved notable defensive statistics this season, ranking No. 31 nationally for turnover margin (+2.9 per game) and No. 17 for fewest fouls committed per game (14.7).
In their history at Sioux Falls’ Summit League Tournament site, North Dakota State has compiled a record of 28-12 overall and is now making its sixth NCAA Tournament appearance since joining Division I in 2009.
Looking ahead to Thursday’s contest against Michigan State, North Dakota State aims to build on its successful season and continue its tradition of postseason appearances under Coach Richman.
