2014 NCAA Tournament Profile: North Dakota State Bison

Mar 11, 2014; Sioux Falls, SD, USA; North Dakota State Bisons head coach Saul Phillips celebrates with the team on the floor after the game against the Fort Wayne Mastodons in the championship game of the Summit Conference tournament at Sioux Falls Sports. North Dakota State defeated Fort Wayne 60-57. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

North Dakota State Bison

Record: (25-6, 12-2 Summit)

RPI: 36

BPI: 64

Conference: Summit

How They Qualified: Automatic (Won Conference Tournament)

The North Dakota State Bison were the class of the Summit League all year and proved it by winning both the regular season and tournament titles. The Bison are extremely efficient offensively and boast the highest team field goal percentage in the country (50.9%). This team tested themselves in non-conference play so they will not be afraid of the power conference teams they will be facing off against in the NCAA Tournament.

What You Need to Know

Leading Scorer: Taylor Braun (18.2 ppg)

Leading Rebounder: Taylor Braun (5.5 rpg)

Leading Passer: Taylor Braun (3.9 apg)

Bad Losses: North Dakota

Good Wins: Notre Dame, Bryant, Delaware

What to Expect

Taylor Braun leads North Dakota State in all three major statistical categories and has carried his team to the NCAA Tournament.  Many people believe the Bison have what it takes to pull a classic five versus 12 upset in the first round over the Oklahoma Sooners. Although the Bison played in a small conference, they tested themselves enough in non-conference play to make an impact. This included a win over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish when they still had their best player, Jerian Grant.

The Bison might not beat Oklahoma, but they certainly have what it takes to give them a really tough game. Should they advance they will face the winner of the San Diego State Aztecs and New Mexico State Aggies.

The North Dakota State Bison are dancing!