WILLISTON, N.D. (Interstat) — The North Dakota State Science Wildcats and the Williston State Tetons will open their seasons against each other Friday in the Buster Gillis Mon-Dak Pre-Conference Tournament.

Both junior college men’s basketball teams enter the Halloween night contest with 0-0 records. The game marks the first official action for both programs since the conclusion of the 2023-24 season.

North Dakota State Science last played on March 16, 2024, falling 90-74 on the road against Indian Hills. Williston State’s most recent result was a February 28, 2024, 89-74 home loss to Bismarck State.

The tournament opener will be the first of two regular-season meetings between the Wildcats and Tetons this season. The two teams are scheduled to meet again in Williston on Feb. 23, 2026, with a rematch in North Dakota State Science’s gym slated for Jan. 29, 2026.

Following the tournament, North Dakota State Science’s next game is a home contest against Marshalltown on Dec. 5. Williston State’s next scheduled game is a home matchup against Gillette on Nov. 19.