North Dakota edges South Dakota State in thrilling OT victory
Saturday, January 3, 2026, 2:00 PM ET · Betty Engelstad Sioux Center
North Dakota Fighting Hawks 90, South Dakota State Jackrabbits 87, 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 South Dakota State Jackrabbits vs North Dakota Fighting Hawks?
North Dakota Fighting Hawks beat South Dakota State Jackrabbits 90-87 at Betty Engelstad Sioux Center on January 3, 2026.
Who was favored in South Dakota State Jackrabbits vs North Dakota Fighting Hawks?
South Dakota State Jackrabbits were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -340 (about 77% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling overtime finish, the North Dakota Fighting Hawks triumphed over the South Dakota State Jackrabbits with a final score of 90-87. This match, held at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center, showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, with North Dakota extending their winning streak to three games.
Both teams entered the game with similar records, North Dakota at 8-10 and South Dakota State at 8-9. North Dakota's recent form has been impressive, as they have gone 5-5 in their last ten games, with an average of 72.6 points scored and 72.5 points allowed. They have shown resilience at home, holding a record of 4-2 in their last six home games, which includes their latest victories against Oral Roberts and Dakota State, both by significant margins.
On the other hand, South Dakota State has had a mixed bag of results, with a record of 4-6 in their last ten games. They have averaged 73.6 points scored but allowed a higher average of 75.4 points, indicating some defensive struggles. Their last outing was a win against Omaha, where they secured an 84-69 victory, but prior to that, they faced a tough loss against Arizona, losing 71-99.
In terms of previous meetings, North Dakota has had the upper hand in their recent encounters, holding a 2-1 record against South Dakota State in the 2025 season. Their last matchup before this game, on March 8, 2025, saw North Dakota lose 85-69 away, but they had previously won 80-75 at home on February 1, 2025.
Injuries did not play a significant role in this matchup, as both teams appeared to field their regular lineups. However, the absence of key players can often impact team dynamics, and both coaches would have been keen to maximize their available talent.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had South Dakota State favored by a spread of 7.5 points, with a total set at 152.5. The odds reflected a competitive matchup, highlighting the expectations for a closely contested game. South Dakota State was listed at -340 on the money line, while North Dakota was at +270.
The conditions for the game were conducive to an exciting atmosphere, with fans filling the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center, creating a vibrant backdrop for this important conference clash. The energy from the crowd likely fueled the players, contributing to the high-scoring nature of the contest.
As the game unfolded, it became a back-and-forth affair, with both teams exchanging leads. The scoring plays in overtime were particularly noteworthy. Eli King made crucial free throws to tie the game at 83-83, and George Natsvlishvili's layup gave North Dakota the lead. South Dakota State's Matthew Mors responded with free throws to level the score again, but Garrett Anderson's three-pointer, assisted by King, pushed North Dakota ahead for good.
In the final moments, Greyson Uelmen sealed the victory for North Dakota with two successful free throws, bringing the final score to 90-87. This victory not only solidifies North Dakota's recent form but also adds to the competitive narrative of their rivalry with South Dakota State, making future encounters highly anticipated.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | SDST -7.5 | 152.5 o -108 / u -112 | South Dakota State Jackrabbits -340 · North Dakota Fighting Hawks +270 |
Leaders
- PointsGreyson Uelmen17North Dakota Fighting Hawks
- AssistsAnthony Smith III5North Dakota Fighting Hawks
- ReboundsWylee Delorme6North Dakota Fighting Hawks
- PointsJoe Sayler27South Dakota State Jackrabbits
- AssistsKalen Garry5South Dakota State Jackrabbits
- ReboundsDamon Wilkinson8South Dakota State Jackrabbits
Recent form
North Dakota Fighting Hawks
Last 10: 5-5Streak W272.6 scored · 72.5 allowed per game4-2 at home
- W72-61vs Oral Roberts Golden EaglesJan 1
- W88-56vs Dakota State TrojansDec 28
- L55-78at Nebraska CornhuskersDec 22
- W90-88vs Winthrop EaglesDec 19
- L66-69vs Western Illinois LeathernecksDec 13
- W89-43vs Crown PolarsDec 11
- L75-79vs Montana GrizzliesDec 7
- L58-90at Idaho VandalsDec 4
- L55-92at Hawai'i Rainbow WarriorsNov 29
- W78-69at Western Illinois LeathernecksNov 24
South Dakota State Jackrabbits
Last 10: 4-6Streak W173.6 scored · 75.4 allowed per game2-3 away
- W84-69vs Omaha MavericksJan 1
- L71-99at Arizona WildcatsDec 30
- L87-88at Milwaukee PanthersDec 19
- L72-87vs Wyoming CowboysDec 16
- W94-62vs Dakota Wesleyan TigersDec 13
- W68-64at Ball State CardinalsDec 10
- L81-84vs Idaho VandalsDec 6
- W75-62at Northern Arizona LumberjacksDec 4
- L52-64at UC Irvine AnteatersNov 27
- L52-75vs Utah Valley WolverinesNov 25
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 | South Dakota State Jackrabbits | North Dakota Fighting Hawks |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 29-60 | 31-67 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 46 |
| Three-pointers | 11-26 | 12-35 |
| Three-point % | 42 | 34 |
| Free throws | 18-23 | 16-18 |
| Free throw % | 78 | 89 |
| Rebounds | 32 | 38 |
| Offensive rebounds | 13 | 17 |
| Defensive rebounds | 19 | 21 |
| Assists | 15 | 16 |
| Steals | 6 | 10 |
| Blocks | 1 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 18 | 14 |
| Fast-break points | 6 | 5 |
| Points in the paint | 36 | 34 |
| Fouls | 17 | 19 |
| Largest lead | 9 | 9 |
| Lead changes | 11 | 11 |
| Time in front | 24 | 60 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half52-60Wylee Delorme makes layup (George Natsvlishvili assists)
- 2nd Half55-60Joe Sayler makes 24-foot three point jumper (Kalen Garry assists)
- 2nd Half55-62Wylee Delorme makes driving layup
- 2nd Half57-62Kalen Garry makes layup (Alec Squires assists)
- 2nd Half59-62Alec Squires makes 2-foot dunk (Joe Sayler assists)
- 2nd Half59-65George Natsvlishvili makes 25-foot three point jumper (Anthony Smith III assists)
- 2nd Half61-65Joe Sayler makes 14-foot jumper
- 2nd Half61-67Anthony Smith III makes 11-foot jumper
- 2nd Half61-68Anthony Smith III makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half62-68Joe Sayler makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-69Wylee Delorme makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-69Joe Sayler makes 26-foot three point jumper (Matthew Mors assists)
- 2nd Half67-69Joe Sayler makes driving layup
- 2nd Half68-69Joe Sayler makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half68-71Anthony Smith III makes driving layup
- 2nd Half68-72Anthony Smith III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-72Damon Wilkinson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-72Damon Wilkinson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-72Damon Wilkinson makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half73-72Joe Sayler makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-72Joe Sayler makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-74George Natsvlishvili makes layup (Greyson Uelmen assists)
- 2nd Half74-75Greyson Uelmen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-76Greyson Uelmen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-76Matthew Mors makes layup (Damon Wilkinson assists)
- 2nd Half77-76Matthew Mors makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half77-79Zach Kraft makes 23-foot three point jumper (Greyson Uelmen assists)
- 2nd Half79-79Damon Wilkinson makes 0-foot tip in layup
- OT81-79Kalen Garry makes driving layup
- OT81-81Greyson Uelmen makes layup
- OT83-81Joe Sayler makes driving layup
- OT83-82Eli King makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT83-83Eli King makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT83-85George Natsvlishvili makes layup (Eli King assists)
- OT84-85Matthew Mors makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT85-85Matthew Mors makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT87-85Jaden Jackson makes layup
- OT87-88Garrett Anderson makes 26-foot three point jumper (Eli King assists)
- OT87-89Greyson Uelmen makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT87-90Greyson Uelmen makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours North Dakota Fighting Hawks, below favours South Dakota State Jackrabbits.
Venue
- Betty Engelstad Sioux CenterGrand Forks, ND
- Attendance1966
- OfficialsRhett Lamoreaux, Steve Honacki, Kelly Anlauf
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