In the heart of Indianapolis, a remarkable story unfolds. The team in green, the North Dakota State Bison, has arrived with a mission. Hailing from Fargo, they face off against Butler. One fact about the Bison that stands out is their 1-30 all-time record against current Big East members. And let's not forget about Fargo - it's known for its frigid temperatures.

Jacari White's Early Hot Streak

Jacari White's shooting prowess is on full display as he drains a 3-pointer, giving the Bison an early lead. The average number of days a year in Fargo with temperatures at zero degrees or lower is a whopping 43, and the annual snowfall is 51 inches. White continues to find his range, sinking another 3-pointer and then another. He's on fire, just like a Fargo morning is cold.

First Half Dominance

As the first half winds down, White has an astonishing 21 points, making five out of six 3-point attempts. To drive the point home, he buries another pull-up shot. At halftime, White has 24 points, while the entire Butler team has only 23. Butler coach Thad Matta later remarks, "That first half by that kid is the best half of basketball I've ever seen. I don't know if we'll ever see another performance like that."

Second Half Struggle and Comeback

In the second half, Butler turns up the defensive heat on White, and he makes only one more shot. North Dakota State goes from a 23-point lead to a 5-point deficit in just 14 minutes. It seems like one of those countless games where the underdog gets a taste of victory but can't hold on. However, the Bison show incredible resilience. In the last three minutes, they go on a 9-1 sprint and emerge victorious with a 71-68 win. Their record against the Big East improves to 2-30.

Richman's Coaching Philosophy

Coach David Richman emphasizes the importance of "embracing the hard" after the game. He knows that winters in North Dakota are tough, but his team is accustomed to it. The Bison have a rich history, having played in the title game in nine of the past 12 Summit League tournaments and making it to the NCAA tournament four times since 2009. They take a freewheeling approach, with 54.3 percent of their field goal attempts coming from 3-pointers. Richman's program thrives on blue-collar toughness, and he recruits players who embrace this philosophy.

Jacari White's Journey

Jacari White, a senior in his third season at North Dakota State and the leading scorer at 17.8 points per game, is a key part of the team. He was a junior college kid looking for a home, and he found it in Fargo. His first half performance against Butler was something special. "I just kind of went...unconscious," he says. Despite coming from Florida, White has adapted to the cold and found a home in North Dakota. His first winter was a learning experience, but he's now a tough-minded player.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

During the late second half, when the Bison were outscored by 28 points and their lead evaporated, they showed remarkable resilience. "We showed a ton of resilience that last 2 minutes and 50 seconds," Richman says. This win will be a confidence builder for the rest of the season, but the team can't get complacent. They must continue to push through the challenges and use their mental toughness to get better.With that, the North Dakota State Bison leave Hinkle Fieldhouse and head back to Fargo, where the next day's high is expected to be minus-three degrees. Their journey is a testament to the power of determination and the ability to overcome adversity.