Saint Mary's Dominates North Dakota State in Season Opener
Wednesday, November 4, 2026, 10:00 PM ET · University Credit Union Pavilion
Saint Mary's Gaels 105, North Dakota State Bison 64, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won North Dakota State Bison vs Saint Mary's Gaels?
Saint Mary's Gaels beat North Dakota State Bison 105-64 at University Credit Union Pavilion on November 4, 2026.
Who was favored in North Dakota State Bison vs Saint Mary's Gaels?
Saint Mary's Gaels were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -1100 (about 92% implied). The favorite won.
In a commanding performance, the Saint Mary's Gaels triumphed over the North Dakota State Bison with a final score of 105-64 at the University Credit Union Pavilion. The Gaels showcased their offensive prowess, scoring an average of 79.8 points per game in their last ten outings, and they certainly lived up to that average in this matchup.
Their last five games had seen them score an average of 80.0 points while allowing 70.8 points, indicating a balanced attack and solid defense. In contrast, North Dakota State had a mixed start to their season, with one win and one loss in their prior games. The Bison had been on a five-game winning streak before this loss, averaging 81.2 points scored and allowing 65.8 points during that stretch.
The Gaels' home court advantage was evident, as they maintained a strong home record of 6-1 in their last seven games. Their ability to perform well at home has been a significant factor in their success. North Dakota State, on the other hand, had struggled on the road with a 2-1 record away from home, which added to the challenge they faced in this matchup.
Historically, the two teams had not faced each other often, making this game particularly intriguing for fans. The Gaels had been dominant in their recent performances, while the Bison were looking to find their footing after a rocky start to the season. The injury report showed no significant absences affecting either team, allowing both squads to field their strongest lineups.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Saint Mary's as heavy favorites with a spread of -13.5, reflecting confidence in their ability to secure a comfortable victory. The total points line was set at 148.5, indicating expectations for a high-scoring affair, which turned out to be accurate given the final score.
The game conditions were favorable, with a packed venue that energized the home team. Fans witnessed a high-octane display of basketball, with Saint Mary's quickly establishing dominance. The Gaels' offensive strategy was evident as they executed plays with precision, leading to a series of scoring runs that left the Bison struggling to keep pace.
Key moments included a series of layups and three-pointers that showcased the Gaels' versatility and depth. Jaziah Harper of North Dakota State attempted to rally his team with a layup and a free throw, but it was not enough to shift the momentum. The Gaels' scoring was led by multiple players, including standout performances in the second half that saw them extend their lead significantly.
As the game progressed, the Gaels continued to pull away, with contributions from players like Max Iversen and Cooper Lewis, who both made critical shots that helped solidify the victory. The Bison struggled to respond effectively, ultimately succumbing to the relentless offensive pressure from Saint Mary's.
In conclusion, the game served as a strong statement from the Gaels, who are now positioned as a formidable contender early in the season. Their ability to score efficiently and defend effectively will be key as they look to build on this momentum in upcoming games. Meanwhile, North Dakota State will need to regroup and address their inconsistencies as they move forward in the season.
What we said beforehand
The upcoming matchup between the Saint Mary's Gaels and the North Dakota State Bison is set to take place at the University Credit Union Pavilion on November 5, 2026. Both teams enter this contest with a record of 1-0, making this early season clash particularly intriguing as they look to build momentum. The Gaels recently secured a thrilling overtime victory against the Illinois State Redbirds, winning 90-85, while the Bison dominated the Crookston (MN) Golden Eagles with a score of 90-59 in their opener.
They are currently on a one-game winning streak, averaging 79.8 points scored and allowing 65.9 points per game. Their last five games have seen them score an average of 80.0 points while allowing 70.8 points. Notably, Mantas Juzenas has emerged as a key player for the Gaels, leading the team with an average of 20.0 points and 11.0 rebounds per game, alongside Jeremy Dent-Smith, who averages 4.0 assists.
On the other hand, the Bison also boast a strong recent record, matching the Gaels with a 9-1 mark over their last ten games, including a five-game winning streak. They have been particularly effective away from home, with a 7-0 record at home and a 2-1 record in away games. North Dakota State has been scoring an average of 81.2 points while allowing 65.8 points per game, with their last five games showing an impressive average of 81.2 points scored and just 59.8 points allowed. Andy Stefonowicz has been a standout for the Bison, averaging 18.0 points and 7.0 assists per game, while Rob Diaz III contributes with 6.0 rebounds.
Historically, both teams have had a mix of results in their previous meetings, but specific outcomes from past encounters were not provided in the block. This matchup will be a fresh opportunity for both teams to assert dominance early in the season.
In terms of betting lines, DraftKings has set the spread at Saint Mary's -13.5, with a total of 148.5 for the game. The moneyline reflects Saint Mary's as the favorite at -1100.0, while North Dakota State is listed at 700.0.
As for the conditions of the game, both teams will be looking to capitalize on their strengths. The Gaels will aim to leverage their home-court advantage, while the Bison will look to continue their strong scoring and defensive performances. Fans can expect a competitive battle, with key players from both sides likely to make significant impacts on the game.
Overall, this matchup between the Saint Mary's Gaels and North Dakota State Bison promises to be an exciting early season contest, showcasing two teams eager to establish their presence in the NCAAB landscape.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | SMC -13.5 | 148.5 o -110 / u -110 | North Dakota State Bison +700 · Saint Mary's Gaels -1100 |
Leaders
- PointsJoshua Dent17Saint Mary's Gaels
- AssistsMantas Juzenas7Saint Mary's Gaels
- ReboundsMantas Juzenas11Saint Mary's Gaels
- PointsKarl Poom15North Dakota State Bison
- AssistsRiley Massey4North Dakota State Bison
- ReboundsKarl Poom4North Dakota State Bison
Recent form
Saint Mary's Gaels
Last 10: 9-1Streak W179.8 scored · 65.9 allowed per game6-1 at home
- W90-85vs Illinois State RedbirdsNov 3
- L71-76vs Santa Clara BroncosMar 10
- W70-59vs Gonzaga BulldogsMar 1
- W86-67vs Santa Clara BroncosFeb 26
- W83-67at Washington State CougarsFeb 22
- W72-70at Seattle U RedhawksFeb 19
- W72-61at Pacific TigersFeb 15
- W88-60vs Pepperdine WavesFeb 12
- W79-54vs San Francisco DonsFeb 8
- W87-60vs San Diego TorerosFeb 5
North Dakota State Bison
Last 10: 9-1Streak W581.2 scored · 65.8 allowed per game2-1 away
- W90-59vs Crookston (MN) Golden EaglesNov 3
- W70-62vs North Dakota Fighting HawksMar 9
- W74-50vs Omaha MavericksMar 8
- W76-65vs Oral Roberts Golden EaglesMar 6
- W96-63vs North Dakota Fighting HawksFeb 28
- L62-84at St. Thomas TommiesFeb 27
- W95-59vs Kansas City RoosFeb 21
- W74-66at South Dakota State JackrabbitsFeb 19
- W83-66at North Dakota Fighting HawksFeb 14
- W92-84vs Omaha MavericksFeb 7
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omaha | 1-0 | - | 0-0 |
| South Dakota State | 1-0 | - | 0-0 |
| St. Thomas | 1-0 | - | 0-0 |
| North Dakota State | 1-1 | - | 0-0 |
| South Dakota | 1-1 | - | 0-0 |
| Kansas City | 0-1 | - | 0-0 |
| North Dakota | 0-1 | - | 0-0 |
| Oral Roberts | 0-1 | - | 0-0 |
| Saint Mary's | 2-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Pacific | 1-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Portland | 1-0 | - | 0-0 |
| San Diego | 1-0 | - | 0-0 |
| San Francisco | 1-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Santa Clara | 1-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Loyola Marymount | 0-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Denver | 0-1 | - | 0-0 |
| Pepperdine | 0-1 | - | 0-0 |
| Seattle U | 0-1 | - | 0-0 |
Box score
| Stat | North Dakota State Bison | Saint Mary's Gaels |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 23-61 | 39-58 |
| Field goal % | 38 | 67 |
| Three-pointers | 5-23 | 20-31 |
| Three-point % | 22 | 65 |
| Free throws | 13-19 | 7-10 |
| Free throw % | 68 | 70 |
| Rebounds | 30 | 30 |
| Offensive rebounds | 13 | 3 |
| Defensive rebounds | 17 | 27 |
| Assists | 12 | 31 |
| Steals | 7 | 2 |
| Blocks | 0 | 7 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 7 | 17 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 13 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 34 |
| Fouls | 15 | 19 |
| Largest lead | 2 | 43 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 1 | 94 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half32-61Karl Poom makes layup
- 2nd Half33-61Karl Poom makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half33-64Joshua Dent makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jazz Gardner assists)
- 2nd Half36-64Karl Poom makes 26-foot three point jumper (Riley Massey assists)
- 2nd Half36-66Rory Hawke makes driving layup (Darius Bivins assists)
- 2nd Half38-66Riley Massey makes 8-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half38-69Rory Hawke makes 25-foot three point jumper (Joshua Dent assists)
- 2nd Half39-69Andrew Nagy makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half40-69Andrew Nagy makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half40-72Kevin Gad makes 24-foot three point jumper (Mantas Juzenas assists)
- 2nd Half42-72Max Iversen makes driving layup
- 2nd Half43-72Max Iversen makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half43-75Kevin Gad makes 24-foot three point jumper (Darius Bivins assists)
- 2nd Half43-77Vangelis Zougris makes layup (Mantas Juzenas assists)
- 2nd Half43-79Jeremy Dent-Smith makes 9-foot floating jump shot (Luke Fennell assists)
- 2nd Half43-80Jeremy Dent-Smith makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half45-80Kaden Tate makes layup (Andy Stefonowicz assists)
- 2nd Half45-83Kevin Gad makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jeremy Dent-Smith assists)
- 2nd Half46-83Andy Stefonowicz makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-83Karl Poom makes layup (Andy Stefonowicz assists)
- 2nd Half49-83Riley Massey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-83Riley Massey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-85Luke Fennell makes driving layup
- 2nd Half50-86Jeremy Dent-Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-87Jeremy Dent-Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-87Andrew Nagy makes layup (Riley Massey assists)
- 2nd Half52-90Cooper Lewis makes 24-foot three point jumper (Luke Fennell assists)
- 2nd Half53-90Andrew Nagy makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-92Flynn Pavely makes 4-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half55-92Carson Smith makes driving layup
- 2nd Half55-94Darius Bivins makes 14-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half55-97Trent MacLean makes 26-foot three point jumper (Darius Bivins assists)
- 2nd Half57-97Jaziah Harper makes layup (Max Iversen assists)
- 2nd Half58-97Jaziah Harper makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half58-99Luke Fennell makes driving layup
- 2nd Half60-99Rob Diaz III makes driving layup
- 2nd Half60-102Jeremy Dent-Smith makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half62-102Max Iversen makes driving layup
- 2nd Half62-105Cooper Lewis makes 24-foot three point jumper (Flynn Pavely assists)
- 2nd Half64-105Karl Poom makes layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Saint Mary's Gaels, below favours North Dakota State Bison.
Venue
- University Credit Union PavilionMoraga, CA
- Attendance2701
- OfficialsDeron White, Michael Greenstein, Toby Doolittle
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