Preview: St Thomas (MN) at N Dakota St
The Battle for Rebounding Supremacy: N Dakota St Looks to Take Down St Thomas (MN)
In a matchup that promises to be a defensive battle from start to finish, North Dakota State (NDSU) looks to take down St Thomas (MN) in what should be an incredibly competitive contest. The Bison, led by the dynamic duo of Damari Wheeler-Thomas and Andy Stefonowicz, will need to contain the Golden Eagles' potent rebounding attack if they hope to come out on top.
St Thomas, meanwhile, boasts a formidable frontcourt led by Nolan Minessale, who has been dominating opponents all season with his impressive scoring and rebounding numbers. The senior forward is averaging 20.3 points per game, while also contributing 4.8 assists per contest - making him a nightmare to match up against for opposing defenses.
But NDSU won't go down without a fight. Trevian Carson has been anchoring the Bison's interior with his impressive rebounding numbers, posting an average of 6.8 boards per game. The sophomore forward will need to continue his strong play if he hopes to keep Minessale at bay.
The stage is set for what should be an incredible matchup between two of the top teams in the country. The Bison have been on a roll lately, with a 4-1 record over their last five games - including victories over powerhouses like Omaha and UTEP. St Thomas, meanwhile, has been unstoppable, winning all five of its contests to close out the regular season.
As we approach the midpoint of the conference tournament, both teams will need to bring their A-game if they hope to advance deeper into the bracket. The rebounding battle could very well be the difference-maker in this contest, with both teams boasting strong rebounding numbers throughout the season.
But it's not just about the boards - both teams have been performing at an elite level on both ends of the floor. NDSU has been using its stifling defense to shut down opponents, while St Thomas has been firing on all cylinders from beyond the arc.
In a matchup that promises to be a defensive battle for the ages, we can't help but feel like this is one of those games that could go either way. Will NDSU's potent offense be enough to overcome St Thomas' stifling defense? Or will Minessale and company prove too much to handle for the Bison?
One thing's for sure - this game has all the makings of a classic matchup between two of the top teams in the country. Stay tuned as we get closer to tip-off, when these two powerhouses will clash in what promises to be an unforgettable contest.
Key Matchup: Trevian Carson vs. Nolan Minessale
Recent Form:
N Dakota St: 4-1 (LW: W @ Omaha, L @ Kansas City)
St Thomas (MN): 5-0 (LW: W @ Oral Roberts)
X-Factor: Rebounding battle could determine outcome