FARGO, ND – the South dakota State Jackrabbits men’s basketball team suffered a 78-65 defeat at the hands of the North Dakota State Bison on Tuesday night, January 14, 2026, at the Scheels Center in Fargo. The loss drops SDSU to 12-6 overall and 3-3 in Summit League play, while the Bison remain undefeated in conference action at 6-0 and 15-3 overall.
First Half Struggles Define Jackrabbits’ Fate
North Dakota State controlled the tempo from the opening tip,establishing a double-digit lead early in the first half. The Bison’s sharp shooting and aggressive rebounding proved arduous for the Jackrabbits to counter. SDSU struggled to find offensive rhythm, shooting just 38% from the field in the first half and committing several costly turnovers. NDSU, conversely, connected on 52% of their shots, including 6-of-12 from beyond the arc.
Key to the Bison’s success was the performance of forward Grant nelson, who finished the half with 14 points and 7 rebounds. SDSU’s leading scorer, Zeke Johnson, was held relatively in check, scoring only 8 points in the first 20 minutes. The Bison took a 42-30 lead into the locker room.
Second Half Comeback Falls Short
The Jackrabbits emerged from halftime with renewed energy, going on a 9-2 run to quickly cut the deficit to five points. Guard Matthew Mors, who had a quiet first half, sparked the rally with a pair of three-pointers. Though, NDSU responded with a run of their own, extending their lead back to double digits.
SDSU continued to battle, attempting to chip away at the Bison’s advantage. johnson found his scoring touch in the second half, finishing with a team-high 22 points. However, the Jackrabbits couldn’t overcome NDSU’s consistent offensive execution and strong defensive presence. The bison consistently answered every SDSU push, maintaining a comfortable lead throughout the final minutes.
Key Stats and Individual Performances
Grant Nelson led all scorers with 26 points and 12 rebounds for North Dakota State, earning him Player of the game honors. Guard boden Skundberg added 18 points, shooting 4-of-7 from three-point range. For SDSU, zeke Johnson’s 22 points were supported by Matthew Mors’ 14 and Alex Arians’ 10.
Rebounding proved to be a significant factor in the game.NDSU outrebounded SDSU 40-28, giving them numerous second-chance opportunities. The Bison also dominated the paint, scoring 36 points inside compared to SDSU’s 24.
Looking Ahead for the Jackrabbits
This loss marks the second consecutive defeat for the Jackrabbits, following a home loss to Oral Roberts earlier in the week. SDSU will look to rebound this weekend when they travel to Denver to face the Pioneers on January 18th. The Jackrabbits will need to address their rebounding deficiencies and improve their first-half starts if they hope to regain their winning form.
Summit League Standings (as of January 15, 2026)
- North Dakota State: 6-0 (15-3 overall)
- Oral Roberts: 5-1 (14-4 overall)
- South Dakota State: 3-3 (12-6 overall)
- Denver: 2-4 (9-9 overall)
- Kansas City: 2-4 (8-10 overall)
Expert Analysis: Bison’s Dominance and SDSU’s Challenges
“North Dakota State is playing with a lot of confidence right now,” said ESPN college basketball analyst, Jordan Cornette. “They’re well-coached, they have multiple scoring options, and they’re incredibly tough on their home court. For SDSU, they need to find a way to consistently bring that second-half energy from the start of games. They’re a talented team, but they can’t afford to dig themselves early holes against quality opponents like NDSU.”
The Jackrabbits’ struggles against the Bison highlight the increasing competitiveness of the Summit League. With several teams vying for the top spot, every game is crucial. SDSU’s ability to adjust and improve in the coming weeks will be key to their chances of contending for the conference championship.
