NCAAB · Final

Bison Defeat Fighting Hawks in Close Contest

Sunday, March 8, 2026, 9:00 PM ET · Denny Sanford Premier Center

North Dakota State Bison 70, North Dakota Fighting Hawks 62, 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 North Dakota State Bison?

North Dakota State Bison beat North Dakota Fighting Hawks 70-62 at Denny Sanford Premier Center on March 8, 2026.

Who was favored in North Dakota Fighting Hawks vs North Dakota State Bison?

North Dakota State Bison were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -750 (about 88% implied). The favorite won.

The North Dakota State Bison secured a victory over the North Dakota Fighting Hawks with a final score of 70-62 at the Denny Sanford Premier Center. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as it showcased the Bison's strong home record of 27-7 against the Fighting Hawks' 18-17 season performance. The Bison entered the game on a three-game winning streak, having won eight of their last ten games, and demonstrated their offensive prowess with an average of 81.2 points scored per game during that stretch. In contrast, the Fighting Hawks were 6-4 in their last ten games, averaging 75.5 points scored but allowing 79.5 points, indicating a defensive vulnerability that the Bison capitalized on.

In their previous encounters this season, the Bison had dominated the Fighting Hawks, winning both matchups decisively. On February 28, the Bison won 96-63 at home, and earlier on February 14, they triumphed 83-66 in North Dakota. This history of success added to the Bison's confidence heading into this game.

The Bison's recent form at home was impressive, boasting a home record of 5-1 in their last six games. They had scored an average of 80.6 points while allowing only 64.2 points in their last five outings. The Fighting Hawks, while having a decent away record of 3-2 in their last five games, struggled defensively, allowing an average of 78.0 points.

In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any significant absences for either team, which meant both rosters were at full strength for this crucial matchup. The betting lines from DraftKings indicated that the Bison were favored by 11.5 points, with a total set at 147.5. The odds reflected the Bison's strong performance and home advantage, while the Fighting Hawks were seen as underdogs with a moneyline of 525.

As for the game conditions, the matchup took place in a neutral venue, the Denny Sanford Premier Center, which generally provides a level playing field. The atmosphere was charged, with fans supporting both teams, but the Bison's home-court advantage was palpable.

Throughout the game, viewers witnessed a competitive battle, with the Bison maintaining a slight edge. Key moments included a series of free throws from Andy Stefonowicz, who helped extend the Bison's lead in the second half. The Fighting Hawks made a push late in the game, highlighted by a three-point jumper from Noah Feddersen, but ultimately fell short. The Bison's ability to execute in critical moments and their overall scoring efficiency proved decisive in securing the win.

This victory not only reinforced the Bison's dominance over the Fighting Hawks in their recent meetings but also showcased their offensive capabilities as they prepare for the remainder of the season.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	NDSU -11.5	147.5 o -112 / u -108	North Dakota Fighting Hawks +525 · North Dakota State Bison -750

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Leaders

PointsDamari Wheeler-Thomas19North Dakota State Bison
AssistsTrevian Carson4North Dakota State Bison
ReboundsTrevian Carson10North Dakota State Bison
PointsGreyson Uelmen24North Dakota Fighting Hawks
AssistsGreyson Uelmen4North Dakota Fighting Hawks
ReboundsGarrett Anderson9North Dakota Fighting Hawks

Recent form

North Dakota State Bison

Last 10: 8-2Streak W381.2 scored · 69.9 allowed per game5-1 at home

W74-50vs Omaha MavericksMar 8
W76-65vs Oral Roberts Golden EaglesMar 6
W96-63vs North Dakota Fighting HawksFeb 28
L62-84at St. Thomas TommiesFeb 27
W95-59vs Kansas City RoosFeb 21
W74-66at South Dakota State JackrabbitsFeb 19
W83-66at North Dakota Fighting HawksFeb 14
W92-84vs Omaha MavericksFeb 7
L71-78vs Denver PioneersFeb 6
W89-84at South Dakota CoyotesJan 31

North Dakota Fighting Hawks

Last 10: 6-4Streak W275.5 scored · 79.5 allowed per game3-2 away

W67-66at St. Thomas TommiesMar 8
W83-67vs Denver PioneersMar 7
L63-96at North Dakota State BisonFeb 28
L83-91at South Dakota State JackrabbitsFeb 21
W85-70vs Kansas City RoosFeb 20
L66-83vs North Dakota State BisonFeb 14
W72-71at South Dakota CoyotesFeb 12
L79-98vs Denver PioneersFeb 7
W76-73vs Omaha MavericksFeb 6
W81-80at St. Thomas TommiesJan 30

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	North Dakota Fighting Hawks	North Dakota State Bison
Field goals	20-55	25-56
Field goal %	36	45
Three-pointers	8-26	10-23
Three-point %	31	43
Free throws	14-17	10-19
Free throw %	82	53
Rebounds	33	41
Offensive rebounds	6	12
Defensive rebounds	27	29
Assists	11	12
Steals	8	4
Blocks	5	2
Turnovers	8	11
Team turnovers	1	0
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	13	7
Fast-break points	7	8
Points in the paint	18	24
Fouls	18	14
Largest lead	5	13
Lead changes	3	3
Time in front	9	84

How the scoring went

1st Half30-38Tay Smith makes 25-foot three point jumper (Andy Stefonowicz assists)
2nd Half30-39Markhi Strickland makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half32-39Eli King makes driving layup (Greyson Uelmen assists)
2nd Half34-39Eli King makes 17-foot jumper (Zach Kraft assists)
2nd Half34-41Markhi Strickland makes 2-foot dunk (Damari Wheeler-Thomas assists)
2nd Half36-41Garrett Anderson makes layup (Josh Jones assists)
2nd Half36-43Treyson Anderson makes layup
2nd Half36-44Emil Skytta makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half36-45Noah Feddersen makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half36-46Noah Feddersen makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half38-46Reggie Thomas makes layup (Eli King assists)
2nd Half38-48Damari Wheeler-Thomas makes 6-foot turnaround jump shot
2nd Half38-49Damari Wheeler-Thomas makes free throw 1 of 1
2nd Half41-49Greyson Uelmen makes 28-foot three point jumper
2nd Half41-51Damari Wheeler-Thomas makes driving layup
2nd Half43-51Greyson Uelmen makes 9-foot floating jump shot
2nd Half44-51Greyson Uelmen makes free throw 1 of 1
2nd Half44-54Treyson Anderson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Tay Smith assists)
2nd Half44-56Trevian Carson makes layup (Markhi Strickland assists)
2nd Half45-56Zach Kraft makes free throw 1 of 3
2nd Half46-56Zach Kraft makes free throw 2 of 3
2nd Half47-56Zach Kraft makes free throw 3 of 3
2nd Half48-56Zach Kraft makes free throw 1 of 3
2nd Half49-56Zach Kraft makes free throw 3 of 3
2nd Half49-59Damari Wheeler-Thomas makes 24-foot three point jumper
2nd Half50-59George Natsvlishvili makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half50-61Damari Wheeler-Thomas makes driving layup
2nd Half50-63Damari Wheeler-Thomas makes driving layup
2nd Half53-63Zach Kraft makes 24-foot three point jumper (George Natsvlishvili assists)
2nd Half54-63Greyson Uelmen makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half55-63Greyson Uelmen makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half57-63Zach Kraft makes driving layup (Eli King assists)
2nd Half58-63Greyson Uelmen makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half59-63Greyson Uelmen makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half59-66Noah Feddersen makes 26-foot three point jumper (Trevian Carson assists)
2nd Half59-67Tay Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half59-68Andy Stefonowicz makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half59-69Andy Stefonowicz makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half59-70Andy Stefonowicz makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half62-70Zach Kraft makes 26-foot three point jumper (Greyson Uelmen assists)

Win probability

Above the line favours North Dakota State Bison, below favours North Dakota Fighting Hawks.