The North Dakota State Bison (2-1) challenge the Montana Grizzlies (2-1) at Scheels Arena. Action starts at 8:00 pm ET on Wednesday, Nov. 25.
The Bison enter this game hoping for similar success after dismantling Valley City State 69-49 in their last matchup. Kory Brown had 14 points, six rebounds, and four steals for North Dakota State. The Grizzlies, meanwhile, are coming off a 70-61 win over Carroll (MT) in their last outing. Martin Breunig played well and claimed his first double-double of the season, accumulating 15 points and 19 rebounds.
North Dakota State is a six-point favorite against Montana and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is 137 points. The Bison enter the game with records of 2-1 Straight Up (SU) and 1-1 Against The Spread (ATS). North Dakota State has been steady from the free throw line, shooting a superb .750. Turning to the defensive side, opposing offenses have been stifled by the Bison, who allow a Division I-low field goal percentage of only .440.
On the other side, the Grizzlies have records of 1-1 ATS and 2-1 SU. Montana’s defense has set the standard for nation, with opponents shooting a Division I-low .464 from the field.
North Dakota State and Montana will be squaring off for the first time this season. In their most recent meeting a season ago, Montana came out on top, bumping its SU record to 1-0. The Grizzlies also lead the matchup ATS with a record of 1-0.
Predictions: SU Winner – NDakSt, ATS Winner – NDakSt, O/U – Over
Notes
North Dakota State averages 74.0 points per game, placing the team just 206th in the nation. Montana ranks 88th in points allowed, giving up 65.7 points per game.
The North Dakota State Bison have the nation’s top defense, with a defensive rating of 92.3. The Montana Grizzlies have an offensive rating of 101.4 (ranked 238th).
The North Dakota State Bison average a field goal percentage of 43.8% this season. The Montana Grizzlies are a perfect 2-0 in games where opponents have a FG% of 43.8% or greater.
North Dakota State attempts an average of 21.0 three pointers per game and Montana attempts 23.0 on average. When the teams attempt at least 20 three pointers, the North Dakota State Bison have an even 1-1 record while the Montana Grizzlies are undefeated with a 2-0 record.
