Summit League Basketball: Power ranking the conference (v.3)

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SEATTLE, WA – MARCH 20: Head coach David Richman of the North Dakota State Bison points in the first half of the game against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second round of the 2015 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at KeyArena on March 20, 2015 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

If not for Mike Daum, the Bison would be sitting in the top spot in this week’s rankings. Despite playing better than the Jackrabbits for most of the game, it was the Jackrabbits who prevailed. However, the 36-point performance from Paul Miller did not go unnoticed. Cam Hunter was the hero on Saturday, scoring 35 points in the Bison win over South Dakota. That win came on the same day as the Bison football team winning their sixth FCS Championship.

North Dakota State now sits in prime striking position despite losing to South Dakota State. They have the ability to beat any team in the league depending on how consistent they are. Yes, Cam Hunter played wonderfully against South Dakota, but he is not that dominant all the time. Same goes for Tyson Ward, A.J. Jacobson or Deng Geu. It is all about consistency for the Bison.

With Denver coming to Fargo next and Oral Roberts on Saturday afternoon, North Dakota State could end up 2-0 by weekend’s end. They will then welcome in-state rival North Dakota on Wednesday evening. The Fighting Hawks have been abysmal in the Big Sky so far this season. While the bout provides a Summit League breather for the Bison, it will not last as North Dakota joins the conference in 2019.