Denver Pioneers Triumph Over North Dakota Fighting Hawks
Saturday, February 7, 2026, 2:00 PM ET · Betty Engelstad Sioux Center
Denver Pioneers 98, North Dakota Fighting Hawks 79, 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 Denver Pioneers vs North Dakota Fighting Hawks?
Denver Pioneers beat North Dakota Fighting Hawks 98-79 at Betty Engelstad Sioux Center on February 7, 2026.
Who was favored in Denver Pioneers vs North Dakota Fighting Hawks?
North Dakota Fighting Hawks were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -162 (about 62% implied). The underdog won.
In a decisive victory, the Denver Pioneers defeated the North Dakota Fighting Hawks with a final score of 98-79 at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as it marked the second meeting between the two teams in the 2026 season, following Denver's earlier loss to North Dakota on January 24, where they fell 93-86. With this win, Denver improved their record against North Dakota to 2-1 over the last three encounters.
Entering the game, North Dakota boasted a home record of 14-13 and had been on a strong run, winning eight of their last ten games, including a five-game winning streak. Their recent form was highlighted by an impressive scoring average of 82.7 points per game while allowing 78.9 points. However, the Pioneers, with an away record of 12-14, had shown resilience, winning four of their last ten games and averaging 81.6 points scored against 81.3 points allowed.
The Pioneers' performance in this game showcased their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. They maintained a consistent offensive flow, highlighted by Jeremiah Burke, who contributed significantly with key plays, including a three-point jumper and a layup that helped extend their lead. The Pioneers' scoring was bolstered by Anthony Smith III and Carson Johnson, who both made crucial free throws in the closing moments of the game.
In terms of betting, DraftKings had set the spread at -3.5 in favor of North Dakota, with a total of 161.5 points for the game. The odds reflected a competitive matchup, but the Pioneers' performance exceeded expectations, ultimately leading to a comfortable victory.
The game conditions were favorable for both teams, but it was evident that Denver was able to adapt better to the environment, executing their game plan effectively. The Pioneers' ability to respond to North Dakota's offensive strategies was a key factor in their success.
As the game progressed, it became clear that North Dakota struggled to keep pace with Denver's scoring, particularly in the second half, where they allowed a series of unanswered points that widened the gap. The Fighting Hawks had previously shown strength at home, but this game highlighted vulnerabilities that Denver exploited.
Injuries were not reported as a significant factor affecting either team during this matchup, allowing both squads to field their best players. This absence of injuries contributed to the high level of competition witnessed on the court.
Overall, the Denver Pioneers' victory over the North Dakota Fighting Hawks serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of college basketball, where any team can rise to the occasion and secure a win, regardless of previous records or betting lines.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UND -3.5 | 161.5 o -108 / u -112 | Denver Pioneers +136 · North Dakota Fighting Hawks -162 |
Leaders
- PointsGreyson Uelmen24North Dakota Fighting Hawks
- AssistsEli King3North Dakota Fighting Hawks
- ReboundsEli King6North Dakota Fighting Hawks
- PointsCarson Johnson22Denver Pioneers
- AssistsCarson Johnson7Denver Pioneers
- ReboundsLogan Kinsey9Denver Pioneers
Recent form
North Dakota Fighting Hawks
Last 10: 8-2Streak W582.7 scored · 78.9 allowed per game4-1 at home
- W76-73vs Omaha MavericksFeb 6
- W81-80at St. Thomas TommiesJan 30
- W93-86at Denver PioneersJan 24
- W79-62at Oral Roberts Golden EaglesJan 23
- W96-80vs South Dakota CoyotesJan 17
- L80-91vs St. Thomas TommiesJan 16
- W81-79at Kansas City RoosJan 11
- L79-90at Omaha MavericksJan 9
- W90-87vs South Dakota State JackrabbitsJan 3
- W72-61vs Oral Roberts Golden EaglesJan 1
Denver Pioneers
Last 10: 4-6Streak W181.6 scored · 81.3 allowed per game2-3 away
- W78-71at North Dakota State BisonFeb 6
- L82-84vs Omaha MavericksJan 31
- W69-61at Kansas City RoosJan 29
- L86-93vs North Dakota Fighting HawksJan 24
- L77-82vs North Dakota State BisonJan 23
- W98-87vs Oral Roberts Golden EaglesJan 15
- L72-82at South Dakota CoyotesJan 10
- L79-87at South Dakota State JackrabbitsJan 9
- L88-92at St. Thomas TommiesJan 4
- W87-74vs Kansas City RoosDec 31
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gonzaga | 31-4 | - | 16-2 |
| Saint Mary's | 27-6 | - | 16-2 |
| Santa Clara | 26-9 | 1 | 15-3 |
| Oregon State | 17-16 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Seattle U | 21-14 | 8 | 8-10 |
| Pacific | 18-15 | 8 | 8-10 |
| San Francisco | 17-16 | 8 | 8-10 |
| Washington State | 12-20 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Loyola Marymount | 15-17 | 10 | 6-12 |
| Portland | 15-19 | 10 | 6-12 |
| San Diego | 12-21 | 11 | 5-13 |
| Pepperdine | 9-23 | 12 | 4-14 |
| 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 | Denver Pioneers | North Dakota Fighting Hawks |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 35-60 | 26-60 |
| Field goal % | 58 | 43 |
| Three-pointers | 9-25 | 3-21 |
| Three-point % | 36 | 14 |
| Free throws | 19-23 | 24-28 |
| Free throw % | 83 | 86 |
| Rebounds | 40 | 25 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 28 | 16 |
| Assists | 16 | 6 |
| Steals | 1 | 5 |
| Blocks | 1 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 8 | 3 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 2 | 8 |
| Fast-break points | 4 | 10 |
| Points in the paint | 42 | 46 |
| Fouls | 20 | 22 |
| Largest lead | 21 | 0 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 99 | 0 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half65-51Julius Rollins makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half65-54Greyson Uelmen makes 29-foot three point jumper (Eli King assists)
- 2nd Half66-54Carson Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-54Carson Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-54Logan Kinsey makes layup
- 2nd Half69-56Reggie Thomas makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half69-57Greyson Uelmen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-58Greyson Uelmen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-58Zane Nelson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-61Zach Kraft makes 25-foot three point jumper (Eli King assists)
- 2nd Half70-63Greyson Uelmen makes layup (Eli King assists)
- 2nd Half72-63Gabe Oldham makes layup
- 2nd Half72-65George Natsvlishvili makes driving layup
- 2nd Half75-65Jeremiah Burke makes 23-foot three point jumper (Zane Nelson assists)
- 2nd Half76-65Carson Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half77-65Carson Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half79-65Carson Johnson makes 18-foot jumper
- 2nd Half79-67Greyson Uelmen makes driving layup
- 2nd Half80-67Logan Kinsey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half81-67Logan Kinsey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half83-67Zane Nelson makes 10-foot jumper
- 2nd Half83-69Greyson Uelmen makes driving layup
- 2nd Half84-69Carson Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half85-69Carson Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half85-71Greyson Uelmen makes driving layup
- 2nd Half85-72Eli King makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half87-72Jeremiah Burke makes driving layup
- 2nd Half88-72Jeremiah Burke makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half89-72Shaun Wysocki makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half89-74Marley Curtis makes driving layup
- 2nd Half90-74Carson Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half91-74Carson Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half91-75Anthony Smith III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half94-75Jeremiah Burke makes 23-foot three point jumper (Carson Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half96-75Jeremiah Burke makes layup (Logan Kinsey assists)
- 2nd Half96-77Wylee Delorme makes driving layup
- 2nd Half97-77Carson Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half98-77Carson Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half98-78Marley Curtis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half98-79Marley Curtis makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours North Dakota Fighting Hawks, below favours Denver Pioneers.
Venue
- Betty Engelstad Sioux CenterGrand Forks, ND
- Attendance2238
- OfficialsBrian McAnally, Mike O'Neill, Chris Fuller
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