The North Dakota State Bison Women’s Basketball Team is Geared Up for the Malibu Classic, But Here’s Where It Gets Controversial...
The North Dakota State Bison women’s basketball team, boasting an impressive 8-2 record, is set to take on Pepperdine (7-2) in the Malibu Classic this Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. CT. But here’s the twist: this isn’t just any game—it’s their first-ever meeting with Pepperdine, and it’s happening on the West Coast, a territory where the Bison have historically faced challenges. The following day, they’ll face UTRGV (3-5), a team that holds a 3-1 lead in their head-to-head series, including a win in Fargo back in 2017. Is this the year the Bison turn the tide against UTRGV? Or will history repeat itself?
Game Coverage: Where to Watch and Listen
The game against Pepperdine will be broadcast on ESPN+ for subscribers, but here’s the part most people miss: both games will have live radio coverage on Bison 1660 with Andy Rieckhoff on the call. Fans can also tune in for free on GoBison.com/allaccess and the NDSU Athletics mobile app. Live statistics, video, and audio links are available on GoBison.com/coverage.
Bison Basketball Radio and TV Coaches Shows: A Deep Dive
Every Monday, the Bison Basketball Radio Show features head coaches David Richman (men’s) and Jory Collins (women’s) live from the Holiday Inn Fargo. Fans are invited to attend in-person and submit questions. But here’s the controversial part: while the radio show is a staple, the TV show, airing on WDAY Xtra, only highlights the men’s and women’s teams together, leaving some fans to wonder if the women’s team gets equal spotlight. Should the women’s team have their own dedicated TV show?
Recent Victories and Key Players
The Bison are riding a six-game win streak, their longest since the 2023-24 season, and are outscoring opponents by an average of 23.7 points per game. Avery Koenen has been unstoppable, averaging a double-double with 18.7 points and 11.2 rebounds per game. But here’s where it gets interesting: Koenen’s field goal percentage of 69.1% is the best in the Summit League and third in the nation. Is she the most underrated player in college basketball right now?
Bench Production and Defensive Dominance
The Bison’s bench has been a game-changer, scoring 20 or more points in six games this season. Karrington Asp, in particular, has been a standout, averaging 11.9 points and 5.3 rebounds off the bench. Defensively, the Bison have held three opponents to under 50 points, including a season-low 36 points against Bethune-Cookman. But is their defense strong enough to handle Pepperdine’s high-scoring offense?
Looking Ahead: Schedule and Challenges
The Bison will play 29 regular-season games, including 13 non-conference contests against tough opponents like Gonzaga and Nebraska. They’ll open Summit League play at Oral Roberts on January 1. With a 13-3 home record last season, the Scheels Center has become a fortress. But can they maintain their dominance on the road?
Coach Jory Collins: The Architect of Success
Head coach Jory Collins is in his seventh season and has led the Bison to back-to-back 20-win seasons. With 106 wins, he’s the second-most winningest coach in Bison history. However, some critics argue that the team’s success is more about player talent than coaching strategy. Is Collins getting enough credit for the team’s achievements?
New Additions and Fresh Faces
The Bison welcomed key transfers like Jocelyn Schiller, Lily Niebuhr, and Audrey Martinez-Stewart, along with freshmen Sophie Hawkinson, McKenna Johnson, and Karrington Asp. Schiller, in particular, is expected to make a significant impact after a stellar freshman season at North Dakota. But will the new players gel quickly enough to make a difference in the Malibu Classic?
Final Thoughts and Controversy
As the Bison prepare for the Malibu Classic, one question lingers: Can they translate their home dominance into success on the road and against tougher opponents? With Avery Koenen leading the charge and a deep bench, the Bison have the tools, but the road ahead is fraught with challenges. And here’s the ultimate question: Are the Bison ready to contend for the Summit League title, or is there still work to be done? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a debate!
