North Dakota Tops Denver in High-Scoring Affair
Saturday, January 24, 2026, 4:00 PM ET · Hamilton Gymnasium
North Dakota Fighting Hawks 93, Denver Pioneers 86, 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 North Dakota Fighting Hawks vs Denver Pioneers?
North Dakota Fighting Hawks beat Denver Pioneers 93-86 at Hamilton Gymnasium on January 24, 2026.
Who was favored in North Dakota Fighting Hawks vs Denver Pioneers?
Denver Pioneers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -225 (about 69% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling contest at Hamilton Gymnasium, the North Dakota Fighting Hawks edged out the Denver Pioneers with a final score of 93-86. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as both teams entered with contrasting recent forms, adding to the excitement of the game. The Pioneers, with a home record of 9-13, have struggled lately, holding a record of 4-6 over their last ten games, and they were coming off a loss to North Dakota State Bison just a day prior. In contrast, the Fighting Hawks, with a record of 12-12, were riding a two-game winning streak and had won seven of their last ten games, showcasing a much more potent offense with an average of 81.0 points scored per game compared to the Pioneers' 88.7.
At home, Denver has averaged 82.8 points in their last five games but has also allowed an average of 86.0 points, indicating defensive vulnerabilities. North Dakota, while playing away, has averaged 83.0 points in their last five games, with a slightly higher average of 80.4 points allowed. This high-scoring affair was a continuation of the trend seen in their previous meetings, where both teams have displayed offensive capabilities, resulting in a head-to-head record of 1-1 this season. In their last encounter on February 14, 2025, North Dakota secured a victory with a score of 68-64, while they previously defeated Denver 95-70 earlier in the season.
In terms of player contributions, the game featured several pivotal moments. North Dakota's Greyson Uelmen was instrumental in the second half, making key free throws and a crucial three-point jumper that helped maintain their lead. Jeremiah Burke also stepped up with a significant three-point shot that pushed their score to 86-85. The Fighting Hawks' ability to capitalize on free throws was evident as they converted multiple attempts down the stretch, securing the victory.
The betting market had North Dakota as the underdog with a spread of +5.5 according to DraftKings, while the total points line was set at 162.5. The odds reflected the competitive nature of the matchup, with Denver being favored to win but ultimately falling short. The game was played under favorable conditions, allowing both teams to showcase their offensive talents.
Injuries did not play a significant role in this matchup, with both teams fielding their key players, which contributed to the high level of play observed throughout the game. Viewers were treated to a display of skill, with fast-paced transitions and strategic plays that kept the score close until the final buzzer. The outcome of this game not only highlights the resilience of North Dakota but also poses questions for Denver as they look to regroup after a tough loss.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | DEN -5.5 | 162.5 o -105 / u -115 | North Dakota Fighting Hawks +185 · Denver Pioneers -225 |
Leaders
- PointsCarson Johnson32Denver Pioneers
- AssistsCarson Johnson3Denver Pioneers
- ReboundsZane Nelson6Denver Pioneers
- PointsGreyson Uelmen30North Dakota Fighting Hawks
- AssistsGreyson Uelmen2North Dakota Fighting Hawks
- ReboundsEli King8North Dakota Fighting Hawks
Recent form
Denver Pioneers
Last 10: 4-6Streak L188.7 scored · 87.1 allowed per game3-2 at home
- 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
- L85-90at Tulsa Golden HurricaneDec 22
- W86-79at Northern Colorado BearsDec 20
- W129-93vs Colorado Colorado Springs Mountain LionsDec 17
- L86-105vs Cal State Fullerton TitansDec 13
North Dakota Fighting Hawks
Last 10: 7-3Streak W281 scored · 77.2 allowed per game2-2 away
- 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
- W88-56vs Dakota State TrojansDec 28
- L55-78at Nebraska CornhuskersDec 22
- W90-88vs Winthrop EaglesDec 19
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 |
| 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 |
Box score
| Stat | North Dakota Fighting Hawks | Denver Pioneers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 30-60 | 28-56 |
| Field goal % | 50 | 50 |
| Three-pointers | 11-24 | 12-25 |
| Three-point % | 46 | 48 |
| Free throws | 22-32 | 18-27 |
| Free throw % | 69 | 67 |
| Rebounds | 37 | 31 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 25 | 23 |
| Assists | 8 | 15 |
| Steals | 8 | 3 |
| Blocks | 4 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 13 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 13 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 19 | 9 |
| Points in the paint | 36 | 30 |
| Fouls | 24 | 26 |
| Largest lead | 7 | 6 |
| Lead changes | 20 | 20 |
| Time in front | 49 | 44 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half60-57Julius Rollins makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-59Shaun Wysocki makes layup
- 2nd Half60-62Carson Johnson makes 24-foot three point jumper (Zane Nelson assists)
- 2nd Half61-62Greyson Uelmen makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half62-62Greyson Uelmen makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half62-64Zane Nelson makes 12-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half62-65Didier Maleng makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-66Didier Maleng makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-66Josh Jones makes 1-foot dunk (Reggie Thomas assists)
- 2nd Half64-67Carson Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-68Carson Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-68Eli King makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-68Eli King makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-71Julius Rollins makes 23-foot three point jumper (Logan Kinsey assists)
- 2nd Half69-71Eli King makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half69-72Logan Kinsey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-72Greyson Uelmen makes driving layup
- 2nd Half71-74Carson Johnson makes 13-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half73-74Greyson Uelmen makes 6-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half73-76Carson Johnson makes 12-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half74-76Greyson Uelmen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half75-76Greyson Uelmen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half77-76George Natsvlishvili makes layup
- 2nd Half77-78Shaun Wysocki makes driving layup
- 2nd Half79-78Greyson Uelmen makes 15-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half81-78Garrett Anderson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half82-78Greyson Uelmen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half82-79Jeremiah Burke makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half82-80Jeremiah Burke makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half84-80Greyson Uelmen makes driving layup
- 2nd Half84-82Carson Johnson makes 12-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half85-82Greyson Uelmen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half86-82Greyson Uelmen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half86-85Jeremiah Burke makes 25-foot three point jumper (Shaun Wysocki assists)
- 2nd Half89-85Greyson Uelmen makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half89-86Logan Kinsey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half90-86Anthony Smith III makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half91-86Anthony Smith III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half92-86Greyson Uelmen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half93-86Garrett Anderson makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Denver Pioneers, below favours North Dakota Fighting Hawks.
Venue
- Hamilton GymnasiumDenver, CO
- Attendance1137
- OfficialsMark Riggs, Jourdan Love, Kristyne Esparza
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