Game Primer: How To Watch, Things to Know for North Dakota State at Kansas
The Kansas Jayhawks got breakout performances from multiple players en route to a big win on Monday as they began their season as the reigning NCAA championships. Tonight, they have a final tune-up game before heading to Indianapolis for the Champions Classic against the Duke Blue Devils. But the last time they faced tonight's opponent, they struggled to a much-closer-than-expected win. That opponent? The North Dakota State Bison.
The Bison are in their ninth season under head coach David Richman, who has a 159-98 record with the school. They were picked to finish fourth in the Summit League.
Kansas enters the season ranked fifth in both the AP and Coaches Poll. North Dakota State is unranked.
Kansas has won both meetings between these two teams, with the first being a matchup in the Midwest Regional of the 2009 NCAA Tournament and the second a 65-61 win on December 5, 2020 during the COVID-affected season.
Here are the essentials:
How to Watch
Thursday, November 10th, 7:00 p.m. CST
Lawrence, KS: Allen Fieldhouse (16,300)
TV: ESPN+
- Steven Davis (Play-by-Play), Wayne Simien (Analyst), Kennetra Pulliams (Reporter)
Radio: Jayhawk Radio Network
- Brian Hanni (Play-by-Play), Greg Gurley (Analyst)
The Numbers
#5 Kansas: 1-0
North Dakota State: 0-1
Line: KU -24.5
O/U: 147.0
Odds via SI Sportsbook
Game Coverage
Game Predictions from the Blue Wings Rising staff
Listen to the latest episode of the Rock Chalk Podcast with Andy Mitts and Kyle Davis.
Follow along during the game with live updates and analysis from both the Blue Wings Rising Instagram and Rock Chalk Podcast Twitter accounts.
Come join the conversation in the Blue Wings Rising Discord Server.
Fun Facts
The Jayhawks were very unselfish in their first game, recording an assist on 24 of their 36 made baskets, which was a higher total than in any game last season.
Gradey Dick's 23 points came on 9 made field goals, which is the most in a debut for the Jayhawks since Carl Henry made 12 while scoring 31 points against U.S. Internatil on November 27, 1982.
Multiple Jayhawks achieved career-high numbers in the last game:
- Sophomore Bobby Pettiford shot 6-7 from the field scoring 13 points and nabbing two steals on the night, both career highs.
- KJ Adams set career highs in offensive rebounds, minutes and assists, with 8, 29 and 4, respectively.
- Jalen Wilson set a new career high mark with seven assists.
