The North Dakota State Bison's basketball team suffered a narrow defeat at the hands of UC Irvine, falling just short with a score of 74-73. This loss marked a significant shift in their winning streak, as the Bison had been on a roll with 10 wins in their last 11 games. The team's star players, Markhi Strickland and Damari Wheeler-Thomas, each scored 14 points, while Trevian Carson and Treyson Anderson contributed 12 and 10 points, respectively. Despite their valiant effort, the Bison couldn't overcome an 11-point deficit in the second half, ultimately losing in the final seconds. The game was a close contest, with both teams showcasing their skills. NDSU's shooting percentage was 47%, and they made 11 out of 25 shots from beyond the arc. UC Irvine, on the other hand, had a slightly better overall shooting percentage of 50% and performed well from three-point range, going 6-for-17. However, the Bison's performance was hindered by 19 turnovers and nine missed free throws. Emil Skytta, coming off the bench, had a standout performance, scoring a season-best 9 points in 14 minutes. The Anteaters, who won 32 games last season and were voted the preseason favorites to win the Big West Conference, emerged victorious in this contest. The Bison will now face the loser of the UTEP-Norfolk State game in the consolation game, providing an opportunity for them to bounce back and prove their mettle once again.
