Sioux Falls, SD – The North Dakota Fighting Hawks secured a significant upset victory over the Denver Pioneers in the Summit League Championship quarterfinals on Friday, March 6, 2026, with a final score of 83-67. The win propels North Dakota forward in the tournament, while ending Denver’s recent strong run.
Greyson Uelmen of North Dakota delivered a standout performance, leading all scorers with 41 points. His impressive shooting display, including 3-of-5 from beyond the arc and 11-of-16 from the free-throw line, proved crucial for the Fighting Hawks. The victory marks a key moment for North Dakota as they navigate the competitive landscape of the Summit League tournament. This ESPN game summary details the final score and key stats.
Uelmen’s Dominating Performance Fuels North Dakota
Uelmen’s 41 points weren’t just a scoring outburst; they came at critical moments, helping North Dakota build and maintain a lead throughout much of the second half. He shot 13-of-19 from the field overall. Eli King added 20 points for North Dakota, contributing 5-of-9 shooting from three-point range. The duo’s combined offensive firepower proved too much for Denver to handle. According to play-by-play data, Uelmen reached 30 points with approximately 12:47 remaining in the second half and surpassed 40 points with 2:14 left in the game.
Denver Struggles to Find Offensive Rhythm
Despite a solid effort, Denver struggled to match North Dakota’s offensive intensity. Carson Johnson led the Pioneers with 17 points, converting 9 of 10 free throws, but Denver’s overall field goal percentage of 43% (20-of-46) proved insufficient. The Pioneers also faced challenges from North Dakota’s rebounding, being outmatched 35-31 on the boards. Denver’s Logan Kinsey fouled out late in the game, further hindering their comeback attempts. The Fox Sports box score confirms these statistics.
Key Game Statistics
North Dakota’s victory was built on a strong shooting performance, connecting on 49% of their field goal attempts (30-of-61) and 39% of their three-point attempts (9-of-23). They also capitalized on free throws, making 21 of 32 attempts (66%). Denver committed 14 turnovers, which North Dakota converted into scoring opportunities. The Fighting Hawks led for 86% of the game, with a largest lead of 23 points. According to ESPN Analytics, North Dakota’s win probability steadily increased throughout the contest, reaching 100% by the game’s end.
Here’s a quick look at the key stats:
| Team | Field Goal % | Three Point % | Free Throw % | Turnovers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver | 43% (20-46) | 29% (6-21) | 61% (14-23) | 14 |
| North Dakota | 49% (30-61) | 39% (9-23) | 66% (21-32) | 8 |
Pioneers’ Hockey Success Continues
While the basketball team faced defeat, the University of Denver’s hockey program is enjoying considerable success. The Pioneers shut out Miami in Game 1 of the NCHC quarterfinals on March 6, 2026, extending their impressive record against Miami to 22-3 all-time in the NCHC quarterfinals. Denver has also won seven straight contests and is unbeaten in their last 22 games (21-0-1) against Miami. More details on the hockey victory are available on the Denver Pioneers website.
North Dakota will now advance to the next round of the Summit League Championship, where they will face a new challenge. The team’s performance against Denver demonstrates their potential to make a deep run in the tournament. The Fighting Hawks will look to carry this momentum forward as they continue their pursuit of a conference title.
What does this win mean for North Dakota’s chances in the Summit League tournament? Share your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share this article with fellow college basketball fans.
