North Dakota Dominates Crown in 89-43 Victory
Wednesday, December 10, 2025, 8:00 PM ET · Betty Engelstad Sioux Center
North Dakota Fighting Hawks 89, Crown Polars 43, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Crown Polars vs North Dakota Fighting Hawks?
North Dakota Fighting Hawks beat Crown Polars 89-43 at Betty Engelstad Sioux Center on December 10, 2025.
In a commanding performance, the North Dakota Fighting Hawks triumphed over the Crown Polars with a final score of 89-43 at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center. This matchup showcased North Dakota's ability to rebound from a challenging stretch, where they had lost their last three games leading up to this contest. The Fighting Hawks entered the game with a home record of 4-8 and had been struggling, with a recent form of 3-7 over their last ten games. However, they displayed a stark contrast to their previous performances, particularly in the second half where they outscored Crown decisively.
In their last ten games, North Dakota averaged 74.3 points scored while allowing 77.9 points per game. Their recent form included a narrow loss to the Montana Grizzlies (75-79) and a heavy defeat against the Idaho Vandals (58-90). This victory against Crown not only halted their losing streak but also provided a much-needed boost in confidence. The Fighting Hawks' scoring average dipped to 64.8 points in their last five games, with an average of 81.0 points allowed, indicating a need for improvement on both ends of the court. However, their performance against Crown, where they scored 89 points, suggests they found their rhythm.
Crown, on the other hand, came into the game with a single recent outing, which resulted in a loss against the St. Thomas Tommies (61-100). This defeat marked their first away game of the season, and they struggled significantly, averaging only 61.0 points while allowing a staggering 100.0 points. Their performance against North Dakota further highlighted their difficulties, as they managed just 43 points in the game.
The Fighting Hawks' home record of 1-4 prior to this game indicated they had been less effective at home than desired. However, the victory against Crown showcased their potential to dominate on their home court. The Polars, with an away record of 0-1, were unable to find their footing in this matchup, which was evident in their inability to keep pace with North Dakota.
In terms of scoring plays, North Dakota's Anthony Smith III was instrumental, contributing significantly in the second half with free throws and assists, including a notable three-point jumper by Matthew Bothun. The scoring was consistent throughout the game, with North Dakota establishing a commanding lead early on and maintaining it throughout.
The market had heavily favored North Dakota, with a home win probability of 1.0, reflecting their expected dominance in this fixture. The conditions at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center appeared favorable for the Fighting Hawks, who took full advantage of their home-court advantage.
As the game progressed, it became clear that North Dakota's offensive strategy was effective, and their defense stifled Crown's attempts to score. The Fighting Hawks' ability to convert opportunities into points while limiting their opponents' scoring chances was a key factor in their victory. This game serves as a reminder of North Dakota's potential when they find their rhythm, and it sets the stage for their upcoming matches as they look to build on this performance.
Leaders
- PointsGeorge Natsvlishvili17North Dakota Fighting Hawks
- AssistsGreyson Uelmen4North Dakota Fighting Hawks
- ReboundsEli King7North Dakota Fighting Hawks
- PointsColby Deluce14Crown Polars
- AssistsPJ Ebeling3Crown Polars
- ReboundsJoe Sullivan4Crown Polars
Recent form
North Dakota Fighting Hawks
Last 10: 3-7Streak L374.3 scored · 77.9 allowed per game1-4 at home
- L75-79vs Montana GrizzliesDec 7
- L58-90at Idaho VandalsDec 4
- L55-92at Hawai'i Rainbow WarriorsNov 29
- W78-69at Western Illinois LeathernecksNov 24
- L58-75vs Coastal Carolina ChanticleersNov 23
- L60-75at Creighton BluejaysNov 20
- W76-74at UC Riverside HighlandersNov 15
- W128-58vs Mayville State CometsNov 12
- L85-93vs Cal State Northridge MatadorsNov 9
- L70-74vs UC Riverside HighlandersNov 7
Crown Polars
1 game: 0-1Streak L161 scored · 100 allowed per game0-1 away
- L61-100at St. Thomas TommiesDec 15
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota State | 27-8 | - | 14-2 |
| St. Thomas | 24-10 | 2 | 12-4 |
| North Dakota | 18-17 | 4 | 10-6 |
| South Dakota | 16-16 | 6 | 8-8 |
| Omaha | 16-17 | 6 | 8-8 |
| Denver | 15-17 | 7 | 8-8 |
| South Dakota State | 14-18 | 7 | 7-9 |
| Oral Roberts | 10-23 | 10 | 4-12 |
| Kansas City | 4-27 | 13 | 1-15 |
Box score
| Stat | Crown Polars | North Dakota Fighting Hawks |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 17-48 | 34-74 |
| Field goal % | 35 | 46 |
| Three-pointers | 6-26 | 8-25 |
| Three-point % | 23 | 32 |
| Free throws | 3-8 | 13-17 |
| Free throw % | 38 | 76 |
| Rebounds | 27 | 51 |
| Offensive rebounds | 4 | 20 |
| Defensive rebounds | 23 | 31 |
| Assists | 12 | 20 |
| Steals | 6 | 14 |
| Blocks | 1 | 0 |
| Turnovers | 27 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 12 | 37 |
| Fast-break points | 1 | 21 |
| Points in the paint | 16 | 50 |
| Fouls | 17 | 12 |
| Largest lead | 0 | 46 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 0 | 98 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half16-40Greyson Uelmen made Free Throw.
- 1st Half16-41Greyson Uelmen made Free Throw.
- 1st Half18-41Tyler Smith made Jumper.
- 1st Half21-41Colby Deluce made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Tyler Smith.
- 1st Half21-44Reggie Thomas made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Ryan Erikson.
- 2nd Half21-46George Natsvlishvili made Layup. Assisted by Greyson Uelmen.
- 2nd Half21-48George Natsvlishvili made Layup.
- 2nd Half21-50George Natsvlishvili made Two Point Tip Shot.
- 2nd Half21-52Reggie Thomas made Layup. Assisted by Eli King.
- 2nd Half23-52Tristan Youngblood made Layup. Assisted by PJ Ebeling.
- 2nd Half26-52Colby Deluce made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Noah Ahooja.
- 2nd Half26-55Garrett Anderson made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Josh Jones.
- 2nd Half26-58Greyson Uelmen made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Garrett Anderson.
- 2nd Half26-60Greyson Uelmen made Layup.
- 2nd Half28-60Colby Deluce made Jumper.
- 2nd Half31-60Alijah Townsel made Three Point Jumper.
- 2nd Half31-62George Natsvlishvili made Layup. Assisted by Garrett Anderson.
- 2nd Half31-64Josh Jones made Layup.
- 2nd Half34-64Ian Mcfaggen made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Jonathan Larose.
- 2nd Half34-66Marley Curtis made Dunk. Assisted by Anthony Smith III.
- 2nd Half34-68Anthony Smith III made Layup. Assisted by Reggie Thomas.
- 2nd Half34-69Anthony Doppler made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half36-69Joe Sullivan made Layup.
- 2nd Half36-71Anthony Smith III made Layup.
- 2nd Half36-72Matthew Bothun made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half36-73Matthew Bothun made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half38-73Joe Sullivan made Layup. Assisted by PJ Ebeling.
- 2nd Half38-75Reggie Thomas made Layup.
- 2nd Half38-76Reggie Thomas made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half38-78Reggie Thomas made Layup.
- 2nd Half40-78Joe Sullivan made Layup. Assisted by PJ Ebeling.
- 2nd Half40-80Ryan Erikson made Jumper. Assisted by Anthony Smith III.
- 2nd Half40-81Anthony Smith III made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half40-82Anthony Smith III made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half42-82Cade Roelofs made Layup.
- 2nd Half42-85Matthew Bothun made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Anthony Smith III.
- 2nd Half42-87Anthony Smith III made Layup.
- 2nd Half43-87Ian Mcfaggen made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half43-88Karson Ouse made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half43-89Karson Ouse made Free Throw.
Win probability
Above the line favours North Dakota Fighting Hawks, below favours Crown Polars.
Venue
- Betty Engelstad Sioux CenterGrand Forks, ND
- Attendance1470
- OfficialsMark Riggs, John Washo, Jeff Lewis
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