North Dakota State Bison Advance to Summit League Final

The North Dakota State women’s basketball team secured a spot in the Summit League Championship game after a decisive victory over the St. Thomas-Minnesota Tommies, winning 63-51. This win marks a significant achievement for the top-seeded Bison, who were led by junior Avery Koenen, the Summit League Player of the Year, who scored an impressive 31 points and grabbed eight rebounds.

In addition to Koenen’s standout performance, junior Molly Lenz contributed nine points, while sophomore Marisa Frost added eight points to the team’s total. The Bison’s strong showing throughout the season has set the stage for a pivotal match on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 3 p.m. CT, where they will face the winner of the South Dakota State versus South Dakota game.

This championship opportunity is particularly notable for North Dakota State, as the team has never qualified for the NCAA Tournament since transitioning to Division I. The Bison now have a chance to change that narrative and make history for their program.

The Summit League Championship will be broadcast live on CBS Sports Network, providing fans an opportunity to support the Bison as they aim for a coveted NCAA Tournament berth. The anticipation surrounding the game is palpable, with players and fans alike eager to witness what could be a defining moment in the history of North Dakota State women’s basketball.