In a shocking turn of events, North Dakota pulled off a stunning 76-73 upset over Nebraska-Omaha at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center. Despite being ranked lower in the net rankings, the Fighting Hawks managed to outlast the Mavericks, handing them a tough loss. This victory is all the more impressive considering North Dakota's 263 net ranking compared to Omaha's 256, making this a significant upset.
The game got off to a blistering start, with Omaha taking a 42-29 lead into halftime. Grant Stubblefield was unstoppable, scoring 22 points and grabbing 5 rebounds to lead the Mavericks' charge. However, North Dakota refused to back down, mounting a furious comeback in the second half. Greyson Uelmen took over, scoring 21 points and hauling in 8 rebounds to pace the Fighting Hawks. Eli King and George Natsvlishvili also made significant contributions, with 14 points and 10 rebounds, and 14 points and 9 rebounds, respectively.
As the game wore on, North Dakota's momentum only grew. The Fighting Hawks outscored Omaha 47-31 in the second half, with Uelmen and company making crucial plays late. In the end, it was North Dakota's superior second-half performance that was the difference-maker, as they held on for a 76-73 victory.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had North Dakota winning by 4.6 points, and while the margin was slightly narrower, the prediction ultimately proved correct. The actual score of 76-73 was close to the predicted 79-74, but the end result was the same - a North Dakota win.
This upset victory has real consequences for both teams' tournament chances. For North Dakota, the win is a major boost to their resume, even if it does come against a Quadrant 4 opponent. The Fighting Hawks want to build on this momentum as they continue their season. On the other hand, Omaha's loss is a tough pill to swallow, especially considering it was also a Quadrant 4 game. The Mavericks must regroup and refocus if they hope to make a push for the postseason.
In terms of resume implications, this result is a mixed bag for both teams. North Dakota's win over Omaha is a Quadrant 4 victory, which may not carry significant weight in the eyes of the selection committee. Nevertheless, it is a win, and the Fighting Hawks will take it. For Omaha, the loss is also a Quadrant 4 defeat, which may not be overly damaging but is still a missed opportunity. As the season wears on, both teams want to bolster their resumes with more impressive victories, but for now, North Dakota can bask in the glory of their upset win.