Here we are with the Summit League, a conference likely destined for a single NCAA Tournament bid but one that still delivers plenty of intrigue. As we inch closer to conference play, here is the latest look at how the league stacks up.
1. St. Thomas Tommies (9–4)
St. Thomas sits atop the Summit League and has won two straight since a road setback at Montana State. The Tommies’ other losses came against Cal State Fullerton, Washington State, and Saint Mary’s.
They are scoring 77.8 points per game while allowing 71.3. Nolan Minessale leads the way with 21.9 points and 4.2 assists per game. St. Thomas visits UNC Asheville on Saturday before home games against UC Riverside and North Central.
2. North Dakota State Bison (7–3)
After opening with losses to Oregon State and UC Davis, the Bison have won seven of eight. Their lone defeat in that stretch was at Arkansas State.
North Dakota State rides a four-game streak into a tough road matchup at Drake on Saturday. The Bison open Summit League play on New Year’s Eve against South Dakota.
3. South Dakota State Jackrabbits (6–5)
South Dakota State remains a league favorite, but early inconsistency has raised questions. Losses to Utah Valley, UC Irvine, and Idaho have stalled momentum, and the offense ranks 323rd nationally in scoring.
The defense has been strong, allowing just 66.3 points per game. SDSU hosts Dakota Wesleyan on Friday, then Wyoming on Monday before a road trip to Arizona wraps up nonconference play.
4. South Dakota Coyotes (5–6)
The Coyotes have dropped three straight following wins over South Carolina State and Air Force. Losses to Portland State, Northern Colorado, and Wyoming have pushed them below .500.
They return home for winnable matchups against Prairie View and Dakota State before visiting Kansas State just before Christmas. South Dakota averages 83.2 points per game and allows 82.5.
5. Omaha Mavericks (5–7)
Omaha looks to extend its winning streak to three when it faces a third non-Division I opponent this year. The Mavericks have wins over Mid-America Christian, Doane, and Portland State.
They score 76 points per game but allow 78.6. Lance Waddles leads the team with 16.8 points and 2.9 assists. A trip to Oregon closes their nonconference slate.
6. Denver Pioneers (5–6)
Denver has won two straight, most recently beating Alaska Anchorage. Carson Johnson continues to pace the Pioneers with 18.4 points and 2.9 assists per game.
Denver hosts Cal State Fullerton on Saturday and Colorado Springs next week. They finish pre-Christmas play with road trips to Northern Colorado and Tulsa.
7. Oral Roberts Golden Eagles (4–7)
Oral Roberts snapped a two-game slide with a four-point win over Montana State. Their top wins this season are over Montana State and Kennesaw State.
Ty Harper leads the Golden Eagles with 16.9 points per game. ORU scores 76 per contest but allows 81.1. They play Ecclesia on Saturday before road trips to Missouri State and TCU.
8. North Dakota Fighting Hawks (4–8)
North Dakota is coming off a blowout win over Crowley’s Ridge. Other victories include Western Illinois, UC Riverside, and Mayville State. Their schedule has also included Alabama and Creighton.
Greyson Uelmen leads the Hawks with 13.2 points per game. Another matchup with Western Illinois is next after beating the Leathernecks 78–69 in the first meeting.
9. Kansas City Roos (1–9)
Kansas City has lost nine straight since winning its opener against Evangel. Seven of those losses have been by double digits, and the defense is giving up nearly 82 points per game.
The Roos host Spurgeon on Saturday before road trips to Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. Conference play begins on New Year’s Eve at Denver.
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