Know Your Non-Conference Opponent: North Dakota State

Were you to see the list of teams Oklahoma lost to in the NCAA tournament with Buddy Hield in their starting lineup, two of the three would emit little more than a bemused nod. After all, being knocked out of the big dance by Villanova or Michigan State is no shocker, but there was a time, prior to the national accolades and rotating door of NBA scouts, that Hield’s Sooners were ousted by the upstart Bisons of North Dakota State and a classic 12 over 5 upset.

Since then, Saul Phillips uprooted to the MAC to guide the Ohio Bobcats to a 33-32 record in two seasons and the Bisons failed to replicate their showing against Oklahoma, losing the San Diego St. in the second round in 2014 and Gonzaga…