Everything felt different in Fargo this weekend. If you’ve been chasing the latest north dakota bison score, you likely noticed that the usual deafening roar of the Fargodome has shifted its frequency. It isn't just about football anymore. The "Bison Pride" mantra is currently being upheld on the hardwood in a way that has caught most of the Summit League completely off guard.
Honestly, it's a weird time to be a Bison fan, but a good one. While the football team’s season ended in a way that still feels a bit surreal—more on that in a second—the basketball programs are currently setting the pace for the entire region.
The Weekend Shock: NDSU vs. St. Thomas
Yesterday, January 17, 2026, the Scheels Center was basically a pressure cooker. The North Dakota State men’s basketball team faced off against St. Thomas in a battle of the unbeatens. Before tip-off, St. Thomas was riding a nine-game winning streak. They looked nearly unstoppable.
The final north dakota bison score was 68-65. It wasn't pretty. It was a gritty, defensive-minded slugfest that saw NDSU improve to 16-5 overall and, more importantly, a perfect 6-0 in Summit League play.
Trevian Carson was the engine. He dropped 16 points and snatched three steals. But the real story was Damari Wheeler-Thomas. With only 27 seconds left and the Tommies breathing down their necks, he drove into traffic, took the contact, and finished a layup that effectively iced the game.
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Breaking the "Jinx" in Brookings
While the men were defending home turf, the NDSU women were busy making history down in South Dakota. For anyone who follows this rivalry, you know that Brookings has been a house of horrors for the Bison women. They hadn't won there since 2015.
That 24-game losing streak to the Jackrabbits? Gone.
They walked out of First Bank & Trust Arena with a 76-68 victory. This wasn't just a win; it was a statement. They ended South Dakota State's 67-game conference regular-season winning streak—the longest in the nation. Think about that for a second. Sixty-seven games.
What Happened to Bison Football?
We have to talk about the elephant in the room. Most people searching for a north dakota bison score are usually looking for the football results, and this year, the search results looked a bit different in January.
For the first time in what feels like an eternity, the Bison weren't the ones lifting the trophy in the FCS Championship game. That honor went to the Montana State Bobcats, who defeated Illinois State 35-34 in an overtime thriller in Nashville on January 10.
NDSU’s run ended earlier than expected. After a dominant regular season where they went 11-1, including a massive 38-7 win over South Dakota State in the Dakota Marker game, they hit a wall. Their playoff exit came in the second round—a 28-29 heartbreaking loss to Illinois State on December 6, 2025.
- Regular Season Record: 11-1
- Dakota Marker Result: NDSU 38, SDSU 7
- Playoff Exit: 28-29 Loss (Second Round)
It’s a bitter pill. Fans in Fargo aren't used to a December without Bison football, but the performance of the basketball teams is helping to bridge that gap.
The Rivalry Dynamics are Shifting
The 76-65 men’s basketball win over South Dakota State on January 14, just a few days ago, solidified NDSU as the team to beat in the Dakota corridor. Treyson Anderson was a beast in that game, putting up 20 points and 6 rebounds.
There’s a shift happening. For years, the north dakota bison score was a foregone conclusion in football, while basketball was a bit more of a gamble. Now, coach David Richman has the men’s squad playing with a defensive identity that mirrors the old "Code Green" football mentality.
They force turnovers. They score in transition. They don't beat themselves.
Against St. Thomas, the Bison scored 21 points off turnovers. That’s how you win close games. It’s not about who has the flashiest shooters; it’s about who can get a stop at 2:00 PM on a Saturday when your legs are heavy.
Looking at the 2026 Football Horizon
If you're already looking ahead, the 2026 football schedule is set, and it's a gauntlet. The Bison open on August 29 against Incarnate Word.
- August 29: at Incarnate Word
- September 12: at Central Arkansas
- October 17: vs. South Dakota State (The Dakota Marker)
- November 21: at North Dakota
That October 17th date is already circled in red on every calendar in the state.
Actionable Insights for Bison Fans
If you’re tracking the north dakota bison score this season, here is how to stay ahead of the curve:
- Watch the Perimeter: The men's basketball team is shooting at a high clip. Trevian Carson is hitting nearly 57% from deep over his last few games. If that holds, they are a lock for the NCAA tournament.
- Monitor Injuries: The women’s team is playing with a short rotation. Their win in Brookings was incredible, but fatigue is a real factor as they head to St. Paul to face St. Thomas on January 21.
- Spring Ball Prep: Keep an eye on the transfer portal for the football team. Losing a second-round playoff game usually triggers some roster movement in Fargo. Expect some big names to land in the portal before spring camp begins in March.
The landscape of North Dakota sports is changing. Football might be in a rebuilding—or rather, a "reloading"—phase, but the basketball programs are currently the best show in the Dakotas. Whether you're at the Scheels Center or following along from home, the "score" is about more than just points; it's about a program proving it can win across all platforms.