North Dakota's Men'S Basketball Team Looks To Stay Unbeaten Against Waldorf
Fighting Hawks Aiming For Strong Finish To Non-Conference Play Before Summit League Begins
North Dakota's men's basketball team will host the Waldorf Warriors this Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center, seeking to continue their dominant history over the Warriors with hopes of gaining momentum before Summit League play.
This game marks the sixth meeting between the two programs, with North Dakota leading the all-time series 5-0. Undoubtedly, the Hawks have been able to overpower their opponents historically, boasting an average margin of victory of 31.4 points over the previous matchups.
North Dakota enters this game after decisively breaking their four-game losing streak with a resounding 80-48 victory against South Dakota Mines. This performance displayed what the team is capable of, as they controlled the game throughout, establishing a significant 47-15 lead by halftime. Junior guard Treysen Eaglestaff and sophomore guard Mier Panoam each played pivotal roles, contributing 15 and 10 points respectively.
Following this standout game, Eaglestaff was named the Summit League Peak Performer of the Week, marking his second recognition of the season and the fifth of his career. His performance has caught the attention of pundits nationally, making him one to watch as the Hawks continue through the season. Eaglestaff's recent exploits include scoring 40 points against sixth-ranked Alabama, cementing his status as one of the premier players at the mid-major level.
Seeing Eaglestaff's development is particularly exciting for fans and coaches alike. He became the first Hawk since Geno Crandall to score 40 points in a game, and the accolades keep piling up as he approaches several career milestones, including his 1,000th career point—a feat he achieved during the game against Alabama. Eaglestaff trails only Quinton Hooker for the highest point total achieved inside the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center.
Adding to the excitement surrounding the Hawks, assistant coach Randall Herbst has strong ties to Waldorf, where he coached before joining North Dakota. His experience and history with the program could provide insights beneficial for the Hawks as they prepare.
The game against Waldorf also marks the end of the non-conference slate for North Dakota, ensuring they close with strong momentum before entering the Summit League competition. A win against Waldorf would not only extend their winning streak against the Warriors but bring them to six wins this season. This would represent the second highest number of non-conference victories under head coach Paul Sather, who has successfully navigated his role since taking over.
The Fighting Hawks have demonstrated significant depth this season, as seen from the contributions of players like freshman guard Zach Kraft, who stepped up following Eaglestaff's lead by adding key points off the bench against Alabama and South Dakota Mines. Kraft's emergence as a reliable shooter has increased their scoring options, which is incredibly valuable as they gear up for conference play.
On the other side, Waldorf will be aiming to upset the Hawks as they prepare for the final game of their non-conference calendar. The Warriors are no strangers to high-stakes games, and this matchup provides them with an opportunity to disrupt North Dakota’s unbeaten record against them.
With the spotlight on both teams, fans can expect an exhilarating match-up this Sunday as the Fighting Hawks seek not just to maintain their dominance over Waldorf, but also establish themselves as formidable contenders heading toward conference play. Listening options will be available through the game's radio broadcast on KSNR 100.3 FM The Cat, along with video streaming on the Summit League Network, ensuring fans can follow the action live from wherever they are.
This upcoming game, taking place inside the iconic Betty Engelstad Sioux Center, offers excitement on the court and the chance for North Dakota to finish strong as they look down the road at the Summit League competition. Can the Fighting Hawks maintain their perfect record against the Warriors? Fans are eager to find out!
