FARGO, N.D. (AP) - Marshall Bjorklund scored 15 points and Taylor Braun 14 as North Dakota State defeated Western Illinois 65-52 on Saturday.
The game was tied at 30 at halftime and remained tight through the first 10 minutes of the second half in a game that had 14 lead changes and eight ties. Then Braun hit a pair of free throws to break a 44-44 tie. The free throws sent the Bison on their way to a 21-8 scoring advantage for the remainder of the game with Braun contributing six points and TrayVonn Wright five during that stretch. Wright finished with 12 points for the Bison (14-5, 3-1 Summit League).
NDSU had a 37-22 rebounding advantage including 13 on the offensive glass.
Michael Ochereobia tied a career high with 18 points, and his most against a Division I team, to lead the Leathernecks (7-11, 1-2). Jabari Sandifer added 13 and Garret Covington 11.
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