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North Dakota State Bison vs Butler Bulldogs: A Closer Look at the Matchup

The North Dakota State Bison have been a pleasant surprise this season, riding a solid offense and gritty performances to a string of wins. After impressive victories against Weber State and Northern Colorado, they now turn their focus to upcoming matchups with Western Michigan, Cal State Bakersfield, and St. Thomas.

The Bison are currently averaging 78 points per game, shooting a respectable 46.2% from the field. However, their defense has been a bit of a weakness, as they allow 72.9 points per game on 45.4% shooting from opponents. The Bison’s defense has shown some vulnerability, particularly in defending the three-point line, where they allow opponents to shoot 28.4% from beyond the arc.

Individually, Jacari White has been the team’s standout performer, averaging 17 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. Jacksen Moni, another key contributor, chips in 16 points and 5.6 rebounds per contest. In addition, Tajavis Miller provides the Bison with a steady playmaking presence with 0.7 assists, while Masen Miller has been effective on the boards, averaging 2.8 rebounds per game.

North Dakota State’s shooting from three-point range has been solid at 39.8%, and they also excel from the free-throw line, hitting 74.6% of their attempts. Despite their defensive issues, the Bison’s offensive efficiency has allowed them to remain competitive, even in tough matchups.

Butler Bulldogs: Defensive Mastery and Offensive Consistency

The Butler Bulldogs enter this matchup with a well-rounded team capable of both locking down opponents defensively and scoring efficiently. The Bulldogs recently triumphed over Eastern Illinois but fell to a tough Houston squad. Their next opponents are Wisconsin, Marquette, and UCONN, but first, they must focus on the Bison.

Offensively, Butler is averaging 73.9 points per game, shooting 45.8% from the field. While their offense is productive, it’s the defense that sets them apart, allowing opponents just 65.7 points per game on an impressive 38% shooting. Their defense, particularly from beyond the arc, has been stellar, as they limit opponents to just 28.8% shooting from deep.

Jahmyl Terlfort has been Butler’s go-to scorer, averaging 16.3 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. Pierre Brooks II has also been strong, contributing 13.6 points and 1.8 assists per game. With Patrick McCaffery also providing double-digit scoring, the Bulldogs have a solid trio of offensive weapons. In addition, Finley Bizjack has been a key contributor on the glass, grabbing 3.5 rebounds per game.

Butler’s ability to shoot 40.4% from three-point range and 76.7% from the free-throw line makes them a well-rounded team offensively. They also excel in rebounding, averaging 33.7 rebounds per game, which helps them control the tempo and limit second-chance opportunities for their opponents.

Conclusion

While Butler should emerge victorious, North Dakota State has the offensive firepower to make this a close game. The Bison’s offensive efficiency, coupled with Butler’s defensive lapses