BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Interstat) — Damari Wheeler-Thomas scored 21 points to lead North Dakota State to an 80-69 victory over Cal State Bakersfield in a nonconference men’s basketball game Thursday night at Icardo Center.

The Bison led 40-30 at halftime and maintained a double-digit advantage throughout the second half. Markhi Strickland added 15 points for North Dakota State, which improved to 8-3. Andy Stefonowicz scored 13 and Treyson Anderson had 11.

Ronald Jessamy led the Roadrunners with 18 points and four blocked shots. CJ Hardy contributed 13 points for Cal State Bakersfield, which fell to 4-7. North Dakota State covered as a 5.5-point favorite in front of an announced crowd of 223.