Event Preview
Overview
On Saturday, December 6, 2025, the North Dakota State Bison will host the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks at the Scheels Center in Fargo, North Dakota, as part of the Big Sky-Summit League Challenge. This matchup is significant for both teams as they aim to strengthen their positions within their respective conferences. The Bison, currently 5-3, are undefeated at home, while the Lumberjacks, at 4-3, are seeking their first road victory of the season. (foxsports.com)
Season Snapshot
North Dakota State Bison
The Bison have demonstrated a strong start to the season with a 5-3 record. Their offense is potent, averaging 80.5 points per game, and they have a solid home court advantage with a 4-0 record at the Scheels Center. Defensively, they allow 66.6 points per game, indicating a balanced approach on both ends of the court. (espn.com)
Northern Arizona Lumberjacks
The Lumberjacks have had a mixed start, holding a 4-3 record. They have shown offensive prowess, averaging 81.2 points per game, but have struggled defensively, allowing 75.7 points per game. Their road performance has been less than stellar, with an 0-1 record away from home. (espn.com)
Recent Form
North Dakota State Bison
In their most recent game on December 3, 2025, the Bison faced a tough opponent in the Montana Grizzlies. Despite a strong performance from Damari Wheeler-Thomas, who scored 23 points, the Bison suffered an 81-72 loss. This defeat snapped a four-game home winning streak, highlighting the challenges they face against formidable opponents. (foxsports.com)
Northern Arizona Lumberjacks
The Lumberjacks are coming off a 75-62 loss to South Dakota State on December 3, 2025. In that game, Arne Osojnik led the team with 16 points, and Zack Davidson added 11 points and two steals. This loss ended a three-game winning streak, indicating some inconsistency in their recent performances. (ctpost.com)
Talking Points
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Home Court Advantage: Can the Bison maintain their perfect home record against a high-scoring Lumberjacks team?
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Defensive Challenges: Will Northern Arizona's defense improve to contain North Dakota State's potent offense?
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Key Player Performances: How will Wheeler-Thomas and Davidson impact the game's outcome?
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Big Sky-Summit League Challenge Implications: What does this game mean for the standings in the inter-conference challenge?
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Momentum Shifts: Which team can rebound from recent losses to gain a crucial victory?
Players to Watch
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Damari Wheeler-Thomas (North Dakota State): Averaging 15.0 points per game, Wheeler-Thomas has been a consistent offensive threat for the Bison. (foxsports.com)
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Zack Davidson (Northern Arizona): Leading the Lumberjacks with 16.8 points and 7.0 rebounds per game, Davidson is a key figure in their scoring and rebounding efforts. (foxsports.com)
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Jacksen Moni (North Dakota State): Contributed 25 points in the Bison's recent win against Butler, showcasing his scoring ability in clutch moments. (reuters.com)
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Arne Osojnik (Northern Arizona): Scored 16 points in the Lumberjacks' recent loss to South Dakota State, indicating his role as a primary scorer. (ctpost.com)
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Brennan Watkins (North Dakota State): Recorded six assists in the Bison's victory over Butler, highlighting his playmaking skills. (reuters.com)
Key Matchups & Storylines
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Offensive Firepower vs. Defensive Resilience: North Dakota State's high-scoring offense faces Northern Arizona's defensive challenges; can the Lumberjacks improve their defense to contain the Bison?
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Home Court Advantage: The Bison's perfect home record is on the line; will the Lumberjacks be able to overcome the hostile environment?
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Key Player Duels: Wheeler-Thomas vs. Davidson—both are central to their teams' offenses; who will have the greater impact?
Fun Facts
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Historical Series: This is the fourth meeting between North Dakota State and Northern Arizona, with the Bison leading the series 3-0. (gobison.com)
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Recent Upset: The Bison recently upset Butler 71-68, showcasing their potential against strong opponents. (reuters.com)
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High-Scoring Affair: Both teams average over 80 points per game, suggesting a potential for a high-scoring matchup. (espn.com)
Things to Chirp About
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"Can the Bison keep their home winning streak alive against the Lumberjacks?"
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"Will Northern Arizona's defense step up to challenge North Dakota State's offense?"
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"How will Wheeler-Thomas and Davidson impact the game's outcome?"
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"What does this Big Sky-Summit League Challenge game mean for the standings?"
Prediction
While both teams have potent offenses, North Dakota State's home advantage and recent performances suggest they may have the upper hand. However, Northern Arizona's high-scoring capabilities mean they cannot be underestimated. This game is expected to be closely contested, with the Bison potentially edging out the Lumberjacks in a high-scoring affair.