Jan. 26, 2007

Fargo, ND- The top two Division I Independent men's basketball teams square off on Saturday when Utah Valley State (13-6) plays at North Dakota State (12-6). Tip off is set for 6 p.m. and the game can be heard live on 1400 KSTAR. Saturday's game can also be viewed on the web at www.GoBison.com for $7.95 by clicking on multimedia and then live events.

This is the third meeting between the two schools as both teams won on their home court last season. North Dakota State defeated the Wolverines 61-52 in Fargo and lost 67-65 in Orem thanks to a tip in at the buzzer by Tika Wesley.

North Dakota State is coming off an 88-58 win over Texas-Pan American on Thursday. The Bison have played an extremely tough schedule and have had success against schools from power conferences.

NDSU beat at the time No. 8 Marquette on the road 64-60. The Bison have also played Texas Tech, Minnesota, Iowa State and Kansas State very tough.

"I don't know who has played a tougher schedule, South Dakota State or North Dakota State," Utah Valley State coach Dick Hunsaker said. "They have played stiff competition and have a win over a Big East school in Marquette. They are tough, proven, physical and they put four terrific scorers on the court at all times."

North Dakota State has four players who are averaging 15 points or more. Andre Smith leads the attack at 16.8 points and 9.3 rebounds a game. Ben Woodside is scoring 16.2 points while Brett Winkelman is netting 15.7 points and seven rebounds a game. Mike Nelson is also scoring 15.6 points a game.

As a team the Bison are shooting 50 percent from the field and averaging 76.1 points a game.

Utah Valley picked up a 66-54 road victory at South Dakota State on Thursday. Jordan Brady led the Wolverines with a career high 17 points and 13 rebounds. Ryan Toolson also had 17 points and Peter Brown added 10.

Toolson leads Utah Valley in scoring at 13.6 points a game while David Heck is netting 12.9 points and 5.1 rebounds. Brady leads the team in rebounding at 5.7 boards. He is also scoring 8.1 points a game.

The Wolverines are shooting 47 percent from the field and scoring 69 points a game.

Following Saturday's game, Utah Valley returns to the McKay Center for a game against New Jersey Institute of Technology on Thursday and IPFW on Saturday.

Both games are at 7 p.m. and students get in free with ID.