The Bison were in action Wednesday Night, sticking around in California, this time shuffling over to Santa Clara to face the Broncos. This was the second meeting between the two programs, as the first saw a Bison win.
NDSU saw themselves go down early in the first half as they were down by 19 at one point. The Bison had to claw themselves back into the game, to which they did, heading into halftime down 29-39 as a Tajavis Miller three-pointer capped off the scoring for the half.
The second half was as action packed as you could get as a Jackson Moni made jumper started the scoring for the Bison in the second half.
Around eight minutes left in the second half, a Jacari White made three-point attempt started what would eventually lead to the Bison clawing back in the game, outscoring the Broncos 20-13 to end the half.
Down 65-70, with 12 seconds remaining on the game clock, guard Jacari White snagged a rebound and took the ball up court, pulling-up with a deep three-point shot attempt, cashing it, to bring the game within two.
Masen Miller quickly fouled Adama-Alpha Bal, which lead to a bonus free throw attempt. Bal missed the shot and a Tajavis Miller defensive rebound with four seconds on the clock lead to a pass over to Brennan Watkins. Watkins raced down the floor and went up for a lay-up, but was fouled by Elijah Mahi with 0.4 seconds remaining. Watkins made both free throw attempts and that lead to overtime basketball drama in Santa Clara.
The Bison won the tip to start, while Masen Miller started the scoring in overtime with a three-point make.
Up two points around the 2:30 mark left in OT, the Bison went on a 9-0 run in just over two minutes to close out this rollercoaster of a game, 87-78. A half of basketball that saw Senior Jackson Moni score nine points, including a three-point make of his own.
Senior guard Jacari White and Forward Jackson Moni lead the Bison in total scoring tonight, with 19. White continues his stellar play, shooting 6-13 from the field, while grabbing six rebounds, and dishing five assists. He also swiped two steals. Moni made three out of his four three-point attempts, while grabbing seven rebounds.
The Broncos were lead in scoring by Adama-Alpha Bal with 18 points. Elijah Maji also had an efficient night, scoring 16, shooting 6-8 from the field, making his only three-point attempt.
The Bison improve to 2-2 on the season and will be back in action Monday, in Carbondale, Illinois, to face the Southern Illinois Salukis. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CST.
*This article was written by Flag Family Media intern Cayden Lloyd*
