South Dakota State Tops North Dakota in Close Contest
Saturday, February 21, 2026, 3:00 PM ET · First Bank & Trust Arena
South Dakota State Jackrabbits 91, North Dakota Fighting Hawks 83, 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 South Dakota State Jackrabbits?
South Dakota State Jackrabbits beat North Dakota Fighting Hawks 91-83 at First Bank & Trust Arena on February 21, 2026.
Who was favored in North Dakota Fighting Hawks vs South Dakota State Jackrabbits?
South Dakota State Jackrabbits were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -440 (about 81% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling matchup, the South Dakota State Jackrabbits defeated the North Dakota Fighting Hawks 91-83 at the First Bank & Trust Arena. This victory is significant for the Jackrabbits, who have struggled recently, holding a home record of 13-16 and finishing their last ten games with a record of 3-7. They entered this game on a one-game losing streak, having lost to North Dakota State Bison just two days prior with a score of 66-74. In contrast, the Fighting Hawks, with an away record of 16-15, have been in better form, winning seven of their last ten games and riding a one-game winning streak after defeating Kansas City Roos 85-70 in their last outing.
The scoring averages tell a compelling story about both teams. South Dakota State averaged 73.3 points scored and allowed 73.1 points over their last ten games, while North Dakota's recent performance saw them scoring an impressive 80.7 points on average, albeit while allowing 79.4 points. This suggests a high-scoring affair was likely, and the game did not disappoint in that regard.
Historically, the Jackrabbits and Fighting Hawks have faced each other four times in the past two seasons, with South Dakota State holding a 1-3 record against North Dakota. Their most recent meeting prior to this game was on January 3, 2026, where South Dakota State lost 87-90. The Jackrabbits' only victory in this stretch came on January 17, 2025, when they dominated with a score of 109-73.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any players missing from either team, suggesting both squads were at full strength for this pivotal matchup.
The betting lines provided by DraftKings indicated South Dakota State as a 9.5-point favorite, with a total set at 151.5. The odds reflected the Jackrabbits' home advantage and recent struggles of the Fighting Hawks. South Dakota State's moneyline was -440, while North Dakota's was set at +340, indicating a strong probability of a Jackrabbits victory according to the market.
The game was played under typical conditions for late February, with no unusual weather factors reported that could impact play. Fans could expect an exciting contest, especially given the high-scoring capabilities of both teams.
As the game unfolded, South Dakota State managed to maintain a slim lead in the second half. Key scoring plays included a critical 26-foot three-point jumper by Kalen Garry that pushed the Jackrabbits ahead, followed by crucial free throws from Matthew Mors and Joe Sayler that solidified their lead as the clock wound down. The Jackrabbits' ability to convert free throws in the clutch moments proved decisive in securing their victory.
In conclusion, South Dakota State's win over North Dakota not only adds to their home record but also provides a much-needed boost in confidence as they look to improve their standing in the league. The Fighting Hawks, despite the loss, showcased their offensive prowess and will look to bounce back in their next game.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | SDST -9.5 | 151.5 o -110 / u -110 | North Dakota Fighting Hawks +340 · South Dakota State Jackrabbits -440 |
Leaders
- PointsJoe Sayler23South Dakota State Jackrabbits
- AssistsLuke Haertle5South Dakota State Jackrabbits
- ReboundsJoe Sayler8South Dakota State Jackrabbits
- PointsGreyson Uelmen19North Dakota Fighting Hawks
- AssistsAnthony Smith III8North Dakota Fighting Hawks
- ReboundsGarrett Anderson7North Dakota Fighting Hawks
Recent form
South Dakota State Jackrabbits
Last 10: 3-7Streak L173.3 scored · 73.1 allowed per game2-3 at home
- L66-74vs North Dakota State BisonFeb 19
- W87-69at Oral Roberts Golden EaglesFeb 15
- L61-79at Denver PioneersFeb 13
- L67-68vs South Dakota CoyotesFeb 7
- L62-77vs St. Thomas TommiesFeb 5
- W95-72vs Oral Roberts Golden EaglesJan 31
- L71-80at Omaha MavericksJan 29
- L69-74at St. Thomas TommiesJan 23
- W90-62vs Kansas City RoosJan 17
- L65-76at North Dakota State BisonJan 15
North Dakota Fighting Hawks
Last 10: 7-3Streak W180.7 scored · 79.4 allowed per game4-0 away
- 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
- W93-86at Denver PioneersJan 24
- W79-62at Oral Roberts Golden EaglesJan 23
- W96-80vs South Dakota CoyotesJan 17
- L80-91vs St. Thomas TommiesJan 16
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 | South Dakota State Jackrabbits |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 31-60 | 28-59 |
| Field goal % | 52 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 13-31 | 14-29 |
| Three-point % | 42 | 48 |
| Free throws | 8-12 | 21-25 |
| Free throw % | 67 | 84 |
| Rebounds | 25 | 40 |
| Offensive rebounds | 6 | 14 |
| Defensive rebounds | 19 | 26 |
| Assists | 17 | 19 |
| Steals | 2 | 5 |
| Blocks | 3 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 7 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 8 | 12 |
| Fast-break points | 6 | 0 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 28 |
| Fouls | 20 | 14 |
| Largest lead | 11 | 8 |
| Lead changes | 9 | 9 |
| Time in front | 78 | 10 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half51-52Joe Sayler makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jaden Jackson assists)
- 2nd Half53-52Greyson Uelmen makes layup
- 2nd Half54-52Greyson Uelmen makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half57-52Garrett Anderson makes 24-foot three point jumper (Eli King assists)
- 2nd Half57-53Joe Sayler makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-54Joe Sayler makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-54Zach Kraft makes layup
- 2nd Half59-55Alec Squires makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-55Greyson Uelmen makes 27-foot three point jumper (Anthony Smith III assists)
- 2nd Half62-58Luke Haertle makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jaden Jackson assists)
- 2nd Half64-58Greyson Uelmen makes layup
- 2nd Half65-58Greyson Uelmen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-60Matthew Mors makes layup (Luke Haertle assists)
- 2nd Half65-63Jaden Jackson makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half67-63Marley Curtis makes layup (Anthony Smith III assists)
- 2nd Half70-63Zach Kraft makes 23-foot three point jumper (Anthony Smith III assists)
- 2nd Half70-65Matthew Mors makes layup
- 2nd Half70-66Damon Wilkinson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-67Damon Wilkinson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-70Kalen Garry makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jaden Jackson assists)
- 2nd Half72-70Anthony Smith III makes layup
- 2nd Half73-70Anthony Smith III makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half73-71Joe Sayler makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-72Joe Sayler makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-72Eli King makes 25-foot three point jumper (Anthony Smith III assists)
- 2nd Half76-75Joe Sayler makes 29-foot three point jumper (Matthew Mors assists)
- 2nd Half78-75Greyson Uelmen makes layup
- 2nd Half78-76Damon Wilkinson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-77Damon Wilkinson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half78-79Joe Sayler makes layup (Jaden Jackson assists)
- 2nd Half81-79Eli King makes 25-foot three point jumper (Marley Curtis assists)
- 2nd Half81-81Matthew Mors makes layup (Kalen Garry assists)
- 2nd Half81-83Kalen Garry makes layup (Matthew Mors assists)
- 2nd Half83-83Garrett Anderson makes layup (George Natsvlishvili assists)
- 2nd Half83-86Kalen Garry makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half83-87Matthew Mors makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half83-88Matthew Mors makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half83-89Joe Sayler makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half83-90Joe Sayler makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half83-91Jaden Jackson makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours South Dakota State Jackrabbits, below favours North Dakota Fighting Hawks.
Venue
- First Bank & Trust ArenaBrookings, SD
- Attendance3415
- OfficialsGreg Langsdorf, Tim Stewart, Kevin Raher
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