Bison Edge Pioneers in Close Contest
Thursday, January 22, 2026, 9:00 PM ET · Hamilton Gymnasium
North Dakota State Bison 82, Denver Pioneers 77, 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 State Bison vs Denver Pioneers?
North Dakota State Bison beat Denver Pioneers 82-77 at Hamilton Gymnasium on January 22, 2026.
Who was favored in North Dakota State Bison vs Denver Pioneers?
North Dakota State Bison were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -198 (about 66% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the North Dakota State Bison defeated the Denver Pioneers 82-77 at Hamilton Gymnasium. This game was notable as it showcased the Bison's strong away performance against a Pioneers team that has struggled throughout the season. With this victory, North Dakota State improved its impressive away record to 3-1, while Denver's home record stands at 4-1 in its last five games.
The Bison came into the game with a record of 17-5, riding a six-game winning streak. Their recent form has been strong, averaging 82.1 points scored and allowing 72.8 points over their last ten games. In contrast, the Pioneers, with a record of 9-12, have been inconsistent, with a 5-5 record in their last ten games and an average of 90.7 points scored while allowing 85.0 points.
Historically, the Pioneers have struggled against the Bison, losing both of their previous meetings in the 2025 season. In their last encounter on January 11, 2025, the Pioneers fell 50-69 at home, and earlier that season, they lost 84-89 in an away game on February 15, 2025. This trend continued as the Pioneers were unable to secure a victory against the Bison despite a strong effort.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any significant injuries affecting either team, allowing both squads to field their strongest lineups. The betting market, provided by DraftKings, had North Dakota State favored by 4.5 points, with a total set at 160.5. The odds reflected the Bison's strong performance and recent form, with their money line at -198, while the Pioneers were at +164.
The game was played under typical basketball conditions, with both teams looking to establish their rhythm early. The scoring plays in the second half were crucial, with North Dakota State maintaining a lead that they built upon in the closing minutes. Notable plays included a three-point jumper by Andy Stefonowicz and a series of free throws by Trevian Carson that extended the Bison's lead.
As the game progressed, the Pioneers fought hard to close the gap, with Gabe Oldham making key plays, including a driving layup. However, they were unable to overcome the Bison's lead, ultimately falling short. The final score reflected the competitive nature of the game and underscored the Bison's ability to perform under pressure away from home.
Overall, this matchup highlighted the contrasting fortunes of both teams, with the Bison continuing their strong season and the Pioneers left to regroup as they seek to improve their standings.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NDSU -4.5 | 160.5 o -105 / u -115 | North Dakota State Bison -198 · Denver Pioneers +164 |
Leaders
- PointsCarson Johnson21Denver Pioneers
- AssistsCarson Johnson5Denver Pioneers
- ReboundsGabe Oldham10Denver Pioneers
- PointsTrevian Carson23North Dakota State Bison
- AssistsDamari Wheeler-Thomas4North Dakota State Bison
- ReboundsTreyson Anderson9North Dakota State Bison
Recent form
Denver Pioneers
Last 10: 5-5Streak W190.7 scored · 85 allowed per game4-1 at home
- 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
- W97-61vs Alaska Anchorage SeawolvesDec 12
North Dakota State Bison
Last 10: 8-2Streak W682.1 scored · 72.8 allowed per game3-1 away
- W68-65vs St. Thomas TommiesJan 17
- W76-65vs South Dakota State JackrabbitsJan 15
- W78-76at Omaha MavericksJan 10
- W97-73at Kansas City RoosJan 9
- W79-77vs Oral Roberts Golden EaglesJan 3
- W84-61vs South Dakota CoyotesDec 31
- L66-76at UTEP MinersDec 23
- L73-74vs UC Irvine AnteatersDec 22
- W101-67vs Crookston (MN) Golden EaglesDec 16
- W99-94at Drake BulldogsDec 13
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 State Bison | Denver Pioneers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 30-59 | 31-64 |
| Field goal % | 51 | 48 |
| Three-pointers | 11-26 | 12-28 |
| Three-point % | 42 | 43 |
| Free throws | 11-15 | 3-4 |
| Free throw % | 73 | 75 |
| Rebounds | 36 | 29 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 26 | 21 |
| Assists | 14 | 12 |
| Steals | 7 | 3 |
| Blocks | 5 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 8 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 7 | 8 |
| Fast-break points | 10 | 8 |
| Points in the paint | 36 | 30 |
| Fouls | 12 | 13 |
| Largest lead | 15 | 5 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 80 | 11 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half45-39Gabe Oldham makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half45-42Zane Nelson makes 23-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half45-45Zane Nelson makes 25-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half45-47Jeremiah Burke makes layup (Logan Kinsey assists)
- 2nd Half45-50Logan Kinsey makes 22-foot three point jumper (Carson Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half46-50Trevian Carson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-50Trevian Carson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half47-52Julius Rollins makes layup
- 2nd Half50-52Trevian Carson makes 24-foot three point jumper (Noah Feddersen assists)
- 2nd Half50-54Gabe Oldham makes 1-foot dunk (Carson Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half52-54Markhi Strickland makes driving layup
- 2nd Half55-54Trevian Carson makes 22-foot three point jumper (Damari Wheeler-Thomas assists)
- 2nd Half57-54Damari Wheeler-Thomas makes 3-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half57-56Carson Johnson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half58-56Trevian Carson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-56Trevian Carson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-58Carson Johnson makes 19-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half62-58Tay Smith makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half64-58Treyson Anderson makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half64-60Logan Kinsey makes driving layup (Zane Nelson assists)
- 2nd Half66-60Treyson Anderson makes layup
- 2nd Half66-62Jeremiah Burke makes 1-foot dunk
- 2nd Half68-62Damari Wheeler-Thomas makes driving layup
- 2nd Half68-65Jeremiah Burke makes 22-foot three point jumper (Zane Nelson assists)
- 2nd Half68-68Zane Nelson makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half70-68Markhi Strickland makes 3-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half70-69Carson Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-70Carson Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-70Trevian Carson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half72-72Carson Johnson makes 13-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half74-72Noah Feddersen makes layup (Damari Wheeler-Thomas assists)
- 2nd Half75-72Noah Feddersen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half76-72Noah Feddersen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half79-72Andy Stefonowicz makes 23-foot three point jumper (Tay Smith assists)
- 2nd Half80-72Markhi Strickland makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half80-74Gabe Oldham makes driving layup (Carson Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half80-75Gabe Oldham makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half81-75Trevian Carson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half82-75Trevian Carson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half82-77Carson Johnson makes driving layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Denver Pioneers, below favours North Dakota State Bison.
Venue
- Hamilton GymnasiumDenver, CO
- Attendance1839
- OfficialsMichael Irving, Mike Littlewood, Doug Sirmons
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