Categories: College University AthleticsCollege/University News

UND Men’s Basketball Overcomes Kansas City in Thriller

Fans celebrate the Fighting Hawks' impressive 76-72 victory over Kansas City.

News Summary

The University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks celebrated a hard-fought 76-72 victory against Kansas City, showcasing their defensive improvements and teamwork. Player highlights included Mier Panoam leading the scoring with 21 points, while Eli King and Amar Kuljuhovic contributed significantly. This win boosts UND’s record to 8-13 and sets the stage for future matchups, demonstrating the team’s resilience and determination to improve in Summit League play.

Grand Forks Celebrates as UND Men’s Basketball Triumphs Over Kansas City

What an evening it was at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center in Grand Forks, North Dakota! The excitement was palpable as fans rallied behind the University of North Dakota (UND) men’s basketball team, who secured a thrilling 76-72 victory against Kansas City on January 16, 2025. In a game filled with ups and downs, the Fighting Hawks showed tremendous grit and determination that kept everyone on the edge of their seats.

A Comeback Story

Going into this matchup, the Fighting Hawks were looking to bounce back after a challenging game where they allowed an astonishing 109 points against South Dakota State. The focus on improving their defense was intense, and it surely paid off. As the clock ticked down to 6 minutes and 34 seconds remaining, UND coach Paul Sather made the strategic decision to inject fresh energy into the game by substituting in players Eli King and Amar Kuljuhovic. This tactical move played a crucial role as the game entered its final moments.

Defensive Effort Pays Off

The emphasis on defense was evident as the Fighting Hawks put in the hard work, rallying around their shared goal. Eli King highlighted the significance of effort and communication, stressing how vital it was for the team to tighten up their game. As they faced Kansas City, the newfound defensive performance proved to be a game-changer.

Thrilling Moments

As the clock wound down, a pivotal layup from Mier Panoam sent the Fighting Hawks ahead with a narrow 73-69 lead, just 30 seconds left on the clock. However, the tension didn’t ease as Kansas City’s Jayson Petty shot a clutch 3-pointer, pulling Kansas City within striking distance at 73-72 with just 18 seconds to spare. The atmosphere in the arena was electric, with fans holding their breath in anticipation.

Sealing the Deal

In the waning seconds of the contest, Eli King stepped up to the free-throw line and calmly sank two crucial free throws, while Treysen Eaglestaff added one more to seal the hard-fought victory. The crowd erupted in cheers as they celebrated the Fighting Hawks’ impressive performance.

Player Highlights

Panoam dazzled on the court, leading the Fighting Hawks in scoring with an impressive 21 points and pulling down 10 rebounds, marking his second double-double of the season. King finished with a solid performance, contributing 13 points and six rebounds, showcasing his shooting skills by going 3-for-5 from three-point range. Meanwhile, Kuljuhovic shined by leading the team in rebounds with 7 boards and chipping in 10 points.

On the opposing side, Kansas City’s Jamar Brown, the reigning Summit League Newcomer of the Year, struggled, scoring just 11 points, below his average of 16.1 points per game. Petty emerged as Kansas City’s top scorer with 19 points, and Cameron Faas supported with 18 points.

Looking Ahead

This victory improved UND’s record to 8-13 overall and 2-4 in Summit League play, and their momentum seems to be building. The Fighting Hawks have now won four of their last five matchups against Kansas City, setting the stage for what could be more success in the near future.

Fans can look forward to the next game as the Fighting Hawks will host South Dakota and then travel to Fargo for a doubleheader against North Dakota State. Coach Sather’s confidence in the team’s mindset and toughness is inspiring as they continue to push for consistent effort and improvement. Stay tuned, because the Fighting Hawks are soaring high!