If you just looked at the basic North Dakota basketball score from this past weekend, you probably saw the 96-80 final and moved on. Honestly, that’s what most people do. But the box score from the Fighting Hawks’ win over South Dakota on Saturday at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center tells a much wilder story than a simple 16-point victory.
It was high-octane.
UND shot a blistering 54.8% from the field. That’s not just "good" for a mid-major program; it’s basically an offensive clinic. They were dropping 12-of-26 from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, the Coyotes were trying to keep pace with Jordan Crawford putting up 24 points, but North Dakota simply owned the paint, outscoring USD 50-28 in that department.
Why the Recent Fighting Hawks Surge Matters
You've gotta look at the context of the Summit League right now. Before this recent push, the North Dakota men's team was sitting around the middle of the pack. Now, with a conference record of 4-2 and 10-12 overall, they are starting to look like a team nobody wants to draw in the tournament.
They play fast. It’s chaotic.
The most interesting thing about that 96-80 score wasn't the points themselves, but the efficiency. The Hawks only went to the free-throw line 7 times. Think about that. In a game where they scored nearly 100 points, they didn't rely on the whistle. They just straight-up outplayed the Yotes from the floor.
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It wasn't all sunshine, though. They turned it over 6 times, which is low, but they also struggled at the charity stripe when they did get there, hitting only 4-of-7. If they want to catch the Bison or the Tommies at the top of the standings, that’s the kind of small detail that will eventually haunt them in a close game.
The Rivalry Factor: NDSU is Chasing History
Across the state in Fargo, the North Dakota basketball score looks a bit different but equally impressive. The North Dakota State Bison are currently the class of the Summit League. They’re sitting at 16-5 overall and a perfect 6-0 in conference play.
They just handled South Dakota State 76-65 on January 14.
Treyson Anderson has been a revelation for the Bison. In that win against the Jackrabbits, he led everyone with 20 points, including 5-of-9 from deep. When you have a sophomore shooting like that, the floor opens up for everyone else. Five different Bison scored in double digits in that game.
That’s the hallmark of Dave Richman’s squad this year: balance. They don't have one guy you can just double-team and shut down. If you stop Anderson, Trevian Carson is going to give you 14. If you stop him, Markhi Strickland is chipping in 12.
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What’s Happening with the Women’s Teams?
We can't ignore the women's side because the drama there is arguably higher. On Saturday, January 17, the North Dakota State women's team pulled off something historic. They beat South Dakota State 76-68.
Why is that a big deal?
It ended a 67-game regular-season conference winning streak for the Jackrabbits. That streak dated back to the 2021-22 season. It was the fifth-longest streak in the history of the NCAA.
And the Bison ended it.
Avery Koenen was an absolute monster in that game, finishing with 26 points and 13 rebounds. Watching her go head-to-head with SDSU’s Brooklyn Meyer (24 points, 5 blocks) was worth the price of admission alone. The Bison women are now 16-2 and 5-0 in the conference, proving that the power center of North Dakota basketball might be shifting toward Fargo this winter.
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Understanding the Betting and Analytical Side
If you’re tracking the North Dakota basketball score for more than just fandom—maybe you’re looking at the spread or KenPom rankings—you need to notice the "Margin" stats.
- NDSU Men: +11.1 scoring margin (1st in league)
- UND Men: -0.3 scoring margin (Middle of the pack)
- NDSU Women: +21.1 scoring margin (Elite status)
- UND Women: -10.8 scoring margin (Struggling to find identity)
The North Dakota Fighting Hawks women's team is having a rougher go of it, currently sitting at 4-13. They’re shooting 37.5% as a team. Honestly, it's tough to win games when you're being outscored by double digits on average. Their defense allows 69 points per game, which isn't terrible, but the offense just hasn't clicked yet.
Key Players to Watch Right Now
If you are following these scores daily, keep these names on your radar:
- Jordan Crawford (UND): He’s the engine. When he’s hitting his shots, the Hawks can beat anyone in the Summit.
- Avery Koenen (NDSU): She is a double-double machine. Her performance against SDSU wasn't a fluke; it's her standard.
- Treyson Anderson (NDSU): A "stretch" threat who is making life miserable for opposing big men who don't want to guard the perimeter.
- Isaac Bruns (USD): Even though he’s on the rival team, his four straight games with 20+ points makes the UND/USD matchups must-watch TV.
Where Do We Go From Here?
The schedule is tightening up. North Dakota (UND) needs to prove that their 96-point outburst wasn't a one-off performance against a struggling South Dakota defense. They have some tough road trips coming up where that shooting percentage will likely dip.
For NDSU, the goal is simple: stay healthy. They have the depth and the coaching to win the Summit League tournament and represent the state in the Big Dance.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, don't just look at the final North Dakota basketball score on your phone. Look at the turnovers and the points in the paint. That’s where these games are actually being won.
The next step for any serious fan is to dive into the upcoming "State Matchup" between UND and NDSU. That game usually throws all the season stats out the window. Check the local broadcast schedules for Midco Sports or the Summit League Network to catch the live action, as the atmosphere in Grand Forks and Fargo is reaching a fever pitch this January. Watch the free-throw percentages in the final four minutes of the next three games; it’s currently the biggest weakness for the Fighting Hawks and could be the deciding factor in their February standings.