In a highly anticipated showdown, the North Dakota State Bison will go head-to-head with the Montana Grizzlies. Both teams have shown early-season promise, making this matchup a must-watch for college basketball enthusiasts. The Bison, with a 2-2 record, will look to harness their three-point shooting prowess led by Boden Skunberg. On the other hand, the Grizzlies, sitting at 2-1, boast a well-rounded offensive attack, spearheaded by Aanen Moody. 

Navigating the Bison’s Path to Victory

The North Dakota State Bison, currently standing at 2-2, have had an up-and-down start to the 2023-2024 season. On the offensive front, the Bison have been consistent in putting points on the board, averaging 68.5 points per game. This offensive output can be attributed to their leading scorer, Boden Skunberg, who contributes 14.5 points per game. Skunberg’s scoring prowess is complemented by his ability to grab boards, making him the team’s leading rebounder with 6.0 rebounds per game.

One of the standout aspects of the Bison’s game is their proficiency in three-point shooting, boasting a 39.0% success rate. This is a critical element of their offensive strategy and a key stat to watch in this matchup. However, their field goal percentage of 43.0% leaves room for improvement, and their free throw percentage of 66.7% needs sharpening. Defensively, North Dakota State has struggled to contain opponents, allowing an average of 69.5 points per game, an area they must address.

In terms of rebounding, the Bison collect an average of 34.8 rebounds per game, highlighting their ability to compete on the boards. Boden Skunberg also stands out as the steals leader, contributing 1.3 steals per game, adding a defensive dimension to his game. The Bison improving their rim protection could enhance their defense. 

Grizzlies’ Dominance in Early Season Form

The Montana Grizzlies, with a record of 2-1, have made a strong early-season statement in the 2023-2024 campaign. On the offensive front, the Grizzlies have been a force to be reckoned with, averaging an impressive 78.3 points per game. This offensive prowess is spearheaded by Aanen Moody, the team’s leading scorer with an impressive 18.3 points per game. Moody’s scoring ability is further complemented by his contributions on the boards, as he averages 2.7 rebounds per game.

Montana’s offensive efficiency extends to their field goal percentage, boasting a 50.8% success rate, which is significantly higher than their opponents in this matchup. Additionally, their free throw percentage of 78.9% indicates their ability to capitalize on opportunities at the charity stripe. Defensively, the Grizzlies have demonstrated their capability to limit opponents, allowing just 63.7 points per game, showcasing their balanced gameplay.

Rebounding is a strong suit for the Grizzlies, as they collect an average of 34.0 rebounds per game. Dischon Thomas is the leader in this category, pulling down 6.3 rebounds per game, providing a strong presence in the paint. On the defensive end, Montana has been effective in creating turnovers, with Josh Vazquez leading the team with 2.0 steals per game. 

David’s Pick – Montana Grizzlies -8.5

As for my pick in this exciting matchup, I’m leaning towards the Montana Grizzlies taking the victory. The Grizzlies’ offensive prowess, led by Aanen Moody’s consistent scoring and their efficient shooting, gives them the edge in this game. Moreover, Montana’s solid defense, allowing fewer points per game than North Dakota State, provides them with a well-rounded advantage. The Bison’s defensive vulnerabilities and inconsistent performance make me believe that the Grizzlies will come out on top in this clash. Montana’s superior offensive firepower, highlighted by Aanen Moody’s scoring ability and efficient shooting, gives them a significant advantage in this matchup. They have consistently put up high-scoring numbers, which could prove to be a challenge for North Dakota State’s defense. Furthermore, Montana’s defensive prowess, limiting opponents to an average of 63.7 points per game, suggests that they have the capability to contain North Dakota State’s offense, especially their three-point shooting. This defensive consistency adds to the confidence in the Grizzlies’ ability to secure the win.