North Dakota State vs South Dakota: Women’s Basketball Preview and Prediction

The South Dakota Coyotes are looking to break their three-game road losing streak as they face off against the North Dakota State Bison on February 8, 2025. The Coyotes, with a current record of 10-14, will be visiting the Bison, who stand at 15-7, at the Scheels Center in Fargo, North Dakota.

This matchup promises to be an exciting clash as both teams strive to improve their standings and make a mark in the women’s college basketball scene.

North Dakota State’s Recent Performance

The North Dakota State Bison have been on a roll lately, securing a victory in their last game against St. Thomas with a final score of 81-74. Leading the charge for the Bison was Avery Koenen, who put up an impressive 19 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Marisa Frost also contributed significantly, adding 19 points and two blocks to the team’s effort.

The Bison’s offensive prowess and solid defense have been key factors in their recent successes.

Key Players to Watch

Koenen has been a standout performer for the Bison, averaging 12.0 points per game, which places her at 452nd in the nation. Her ability to score consistently and her presence on the court make her a player to watch in the upcoming game.

Additionally, Marisa Frost’s defensive skills and scoring ability will be crucial for the Bison as they aim to maintain their winning momentum.

South Dakota’s Struggles on the Road

The South Dakota Coyotes have faced challenges on the road, with their last game resulting in a heavy 88-62 loss against Oral Roberts. Despite the defeat, Carley Duffney delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 24 points with a 56.25% field goal percentage and going 2-6 from beyond the arc. Grace Larkins also made a significant contribution with 13 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists.

Offensive and Defensive Stats

South Dakota has been outscored by an average of 5.8 points per game, scoring 67.8 points per game (133rd in college basketball) while allowing 73.6 points per game (341st in college basketball). This negative scoring differential highlights the defensive issues that the Coyotes need to address if they hope to turn their season around.

Grace Larkins, who is ranked fifth in the country with an average of 23.9 points per game, will be a key player in their efforts to improve both offensively and defensively.

Game Prediction and Analysis

Based on recent performances and statistical analysis, the North Dakota State Bison are favored to win this matchup. The prediction for the game is a 78-61 victory for the Bison.

North Dakota State averages 69.3 points per game (107th in college basketball) while giving up 63.2 points per outing (150th in college basketball). With a +133 scoring differential overall, the Bison have consistently outscored their opponents by 6.1 points per game, indicating a strong offensive and defensive balance.

Factors Influencing the Outcome

Several factors will influence the outcome of this game, including:

• Home Court Advantage: Playing at the Scheels Center in Fargo, North Dakota, gives the Bison a significant advantage as they look to capitalize on their home court.
• Key Player Performances: The performances of Avery Koenen and Marisa Frost for the Bison, as well as Grace Larkins and Carley Duffney for the Coyotes, will be pivotal in determining the game’s outcome.
• Defensive Strategies: Both teams will need to focus on their defensive strategies to limit the scoring opportunities of their opponents. The Coyotes, in particular, need to address their defensive shortcomings to stay competitive.

Conclusion

As the South Dakota Coyotes aim to end their road losing streak, they face a formidable opponent in the North Dakota State Bison.

The Bison’s strong offensive and defensive capabilities, coupled with their home court advantage, make them the favorites in this matchup.

However, with standout players like Grace Larkins and Carley Duffney, the Coyotes have the potential to challenge the Bison and make the game an exciting contest.

For more detailed insights and predictions, you can visit the original article on Bleacher Nation.

Stay tuned for more updates and expert analysis on women’s college basketball.