Preview: Saint Thomas (Minn.) at North Dakota State FARGO, N.D. (Interstat) — A surging North Dakota State squad, ranked among the nation’s elite, will host a Saint Thomas (Minn.) team finding its footing in Summit League play when the women’s basketball teams meet Thursday night. The Bison (21-2 overall) have been dominant, winning their last 10 games by an average margin of 33.2 points. Their most recent outing was a commanding 87-51 road victory over North Dakota on Feb. 15. Star forward Avery Koenen has been formidable, averaging 22.8 points and 10.8 rebounds over her last five contests. She posted 29 points and 13 rebounds in the win over North Dakota. The Tommies (13-12) have won three of their last four, including a 73-43 home win over Omaha on Saturday. Guard Alyssa Sand has been key, scoring in double figures in six straight games. She is coming off a 12-point, 7-rebound, 4-assist performance against Omaha. North Dakota State won the first meeting this season, 94-39, in St. Paul on Jan. 2. Koenen scored 24 points in that contest. The matchup pits the conference’s top defense, North Dakota State allowing just 52.7 points per game, against a Tommies offense that has averaged 71.3 points during its recent 3-1 stretch. Saint Thomas will aim to slow Koenen and find scoring beyond Sand, while the Bison look to continue their defensive mastery and maintain their hold atop the Summit League standings. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST at Scheels Arena.