The stage is set for Michigan State as they gear up to face North Dakota State in the first round of the tournament this Thursday. With the Spartans taking on the 14th-seeded Bison, there’s plenty to unpack about this intriguing matchup.
Michigan State fans might not be too familiar with North Dakota State, but here's the lowdown: the Bison come in with an impressive 27-7 record, having dominated the Summit League. They've been on a tear lately, winning 17 of their last 19 games, and they’re certainly eyeing a big upset against the Spartans.
On the flip side, North Dakota State supporters aren't exactly thrilled with the draw. They were hoping for a 13-seed to avoid a powerhouse like Michigan State in the first round.
Let’s dive into what makes the 2025-26 Bison a team to watch:
1. David Richman: A Coach with a Winning Formula
Guiding a program like North Dakota State to success is no small feat, but David Richman has made it look routine. Since taking the helm in 2014-15, he’s led the team to four conference tournament victories and three NCAA Tournament appearances. The 2020 tournament cancellation might have robbed him of another chance, but his track record speaks volumes.
With 238 career wins and six 20-win seasons under his belt, Richman is one of the top mid-major coaches in the game. At just 47, his future looks bright, and it wouldn't be surprising to see bigger programs come calling.
2. A Team Lightly Tested
North Dakota State’s schedule hasn't been the toughest this season. They’ve faced mostly Quad 3-4 opponents, with only one game against a Quad 1-2 team, which resulted in a 22-point loss to St. Thomas.
Their best non-conference win came against Cal State Northridge, which isn’t exactly a powerhouse. The Bison’s 26-7 record against Quad 3-4 teams shows consistency, but their lack of high-level competition could be a concern come tournament time.
3. Lethal from Long Range
The Bison boast several sharpshooters who can light it up from beyond the arc. With players like Damari Wheeler-Thomas, Trevian Carson, Treyson Anderson, Andy Stefonowicz, and Tay Smith all shooting over 36% from three, they pose a significant threat.
As a team, North Dakota State’s shooting mirrors Michigan State’s, but having five reliable deep threats makes them particularly dangerous. They average about 25 three-point attempts per game, and if they get hot, it could spell trouble for a Spartans team that has struggled with perimeter defense recently.
Michigan State will need to tighten up their defense on the perimeter if they want to avoid an early exit. Thursday’s matchup promises to be a fascinating clash of styles and strategies.