FARGO, N.D. (Interstat) — In a tense, back-and-forth Summit League battle defined by defense and critical late plays, North Dakota State edged Saint Thomas (Minn.) 68-65 on Saturday afternoon at Scheels Center.

The game, played before a crowd of 2,954, was a defensive struggle from the outset. Both teams posted nearly identical offensive ratings, with the Tommies at 95.5 and the Bison at 95.6, reflecting the difficulty of finding clean looks. The contest featured 26 total turnovers and just 15 combined assists, underscoring the physical nature of the conference matchup.

Saint Thomas, the visiting Tommies, held a narrow 35-34 lead at halftime behind 15 first-half points from Isaiah Johnson-Arigu. The second half continued the pattern of slim margins, with neither team able to build a lead larger than eight points. North Dakota State’s advantage came from capitalizing on mistakes, scoring 21 points off 14 Saint Thomas turnovers, and dominating inside with a 34-20 edge in points in the paint.

The most important sequence of the game unfolded in the final minute with the score tied at 66. Following a missed 3-pointer by Saint Thomas’ Isaiah Johnson-Arigu, North Dakota State’s Trevian Carson secured the defensive rebound. On the ensuing possession, Carson, who finished with 16 points and six rebounds, drilled a crucial 3-pointer from the wing with 20 seconds remaining, assisted by Markhi Strickland, to put the Bison ahead 68-65.

Saint Thomas had two opportunities to tie in the final seconds. After a timeout, the Tommies’ Nick Janowski missed a contested 3-pointer. The Bison’s Damari Wheeler-Thomas secured the defensive rebound but missed the front end of a one-and-one free throw opportunity with nine seconds left, giving the Tommies a final chance. Out of a timeout, Saint Thomas’ Austin Herro drove for a layup to cut the deficit to 68-65 with 11 seconds left.

North Dakota State inbounded the ball to Andy Stefonowicz, who was fouled. He missed the first free throw of a one-and-one, and Saint Thomas’ Nick Janowski grabbed the rebound with a chance to tie. The Tommies rushed upcourt, but Janowski’s deep 3-point attempt as time expired was off the mark, sealing the victory for the Bison.

Nolan Minessale led Saint Thomas with 16 points and six assists, while Johnson-Arigu added 15 points. Austin Herro contributed 10 points, five rebounds and five assists for the Tommies, who fell to 15-5 overall and saw a three-game winning streak snapped.

For North Dakota State, now 16-5, the balanced attack was key. Carson’s 16 points were matched by Emil Skytta off the bench, who provided crucial interior scoring. Treyson Anderson just missed a double-double with 11 points and nine rebounds, and Noah Feddersen anchored the defense with seven rebounds and three blocks.

The Bison’s ability to control the glass, out-rebounding Saint Thomas 44-35 and grabbing 13 offensive rebounds, proved vital in a game where second-chance opportunities were scarce. Saint Thomas shot a higher percentage from the field, 42.3% to 38.5% for North Dakota State, but the Bison’s volume of attempts, fueled by their rebounding, made the difference.

Saint Thomas will look to rebound at home against South Dakota State on Thursday. North Dakota State continues its conference slate on the road at Denver the same night. The two teams are scheduled to meet again in St. Paul on Feb. 26.