In a stunning turn of events, North Dakota pulled off a significant upset at Hamilton Gymnasium, taking down Denver 93-86. The Fighting Hawks, ranked 283 in the net rankings, entered the game as underdogs, but they was more than a match for their hosts. This victory is all the more impressive considering CHD Scout had predicted a Denver win by 4.1 points, a forecast that ultimately was wide of the mark.
The game got off to a frenetic pace, with both teams trading baskets and neither able to gain a significant advantage. At halftime, Denver held a slender 46-45 lead, courtesy of Carson Johnson's scintillating 18-point first-half performance. Johnson would go on to finish with 32 points, but it wasn't enough to propel his team to victory. The Pioneers' inability to contain North Dakota's offense, particularly in the second half, ultimately was their undoing.
Greyson Uelmen was the catalyst for the Fighting Hawks' success, scoring 30 points to lead all scorers. His impressive display was complemented by Eli King's 17 points and 8 rebounds, as well as Zach Kraft's 13 points. North Dakota's balanced attack and tenacious defense allowed them to outscore Denver 48-40 in the second half, securing a hard-fought 7-point victory.
CHD Scout Report Card
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Final
The implications of this result cannot be overstated. For Denver, this loss represents a Quad 4 defeat, which will undoubtedly have a negative impact on their tournament resume. With a current net ranking of 251, the Pioneers were already facing an uphill battle to secure a postseason berth, and this setback will only make their task more challenging. On the other hand, North Dakota's win, although also a Quad 4 game, will be seen as a positive addition to their resume, given the circumstances of the upset.
As the season enters its critical phase, results like this will have a significant bearing on the tournament landscape. North Dakota's ability to go on the road and defeat a team ranked higher than them in the net rankings will be viewed as a reflection of their resilience and determination. While this win may not catapult them into the tournament picture just yet, it undoubtedly enhances their chances of making a late push for a postseason spot. For Denver, however, the road ahead just got a lot tougher, and they must regroup and refocus if they are to salvage their season.