The Montana Grizzlies travel to face the North Dakota Fighting Hawks at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center. Both teams hold a 1-2 record in the early stages of the 2027 season. This non-conference game offers a chance for each team to build momentum.
Montana's recent performance shows a challenging start with two away losses. Key players like Semaj Carter and Jalen Brown have shown potential in their recent games. Their performance will be crucial for the Grizzlies on the road.
North Dakota enters the game after a mixed start, with a win against Winthrop and losses to Clemson and Minnesota. Samuel Hincapie has been a standout player, contributing significantly to the team's scoring. The Fighting Hawks hope to secure a win at home, where they have yet to play this season.
North Dakota vs Montana At a Glance
- Game Location: Betty Engelstad Sioux Center, Grand Forks, ND
- Teams: Montana Grizzlies vs North Dakota Fighting Hawks
- TV Channel: Summ
- Date & Time: Saturday, November 14, 2026 at 1:00 PM ET
- Montana Record: 1-2
- North Dakota Record: 1-2
North Dakota Fighting Hawks: A Season of Challenges and Opportunities
Offensive Struggles
The North Dakota Fighting Hawks have had a rough start offensively this season. They score 73.3 points per game, ranking them 271st. Their shooting accuracy is low, with a field goal percentage of 39.9, placing them 343rd.
They also struggle from beyond the arc, making only 6.3 three-pointers per game. Their 3-point shooting percentage is at a low 25.3, ranking them near the bottom at 437th.
Key Players
Samuel Hincapie stands out as a leading player for the Hawks. Averaging 17 points per game, he provides much-needed scoring. His shooting efficiency is strong at 54.5%.
Luke Winkel contributes with 12 points per game. He also averages 3.3 assists, helping his teammates find scoring opportunities.
Defensive Performance
Defensively, the Hawks have room for improvement. They average 7.7 steals per game, ranking 293rd. Their block numbers are better, with 2 per game, placing them 96th.
Turnovers are one area where they excel, keeping it to just 10 per game. This ranks them 61st and shows discipline in maintaining possession.
Recent Game Highlights
In a recent win against Winthrop, Hincapie scored 24 points. Winkel added 16 points and 6 assists, showcasing his playmaking skills.
However, they faced a tough loss against Clemson, where they scored 77 points. Their shooting improved to 45.2% in this game, a positive sign.
Team Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 1-2 (33.3%)
- SU All Games: 1-2 (33.3%)
- ATS Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
- ATS All Games: 2-1 (66.7%)
- O/U Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
- O/U All Games: 2-1 (66.7%)
Montana Grizzlies Gear Up for Key Matchup
Offensive Overview
The Grizzlies have averaged 77.3 points per game. Their field goal percentage stands at 47.2%, placing them in the top half of college teams.
Three-point shooting has been a strength. They make 10.0 threes per game on 38.5% shooting.
Defensive Insights
Montana has struggled defensively, allowing teams to score. They record 10.0 steals and 4.7 blocks per game.
Fouls have been a concern. They average 17.7 fouls per game, which impacts their defense.
Key Players
Jalen Brown is a leading scorer, averaging 14 points per game. He also contributes with 3 rebounds and 2 assists per game.
Semaj Carter matches Brown with 14 points per game. His shooting percentage is an impressive 50%.
Recent Performance
The Grizzlies won one of their last three games. They defeated Salish Kootenai Bison with a commanding 105-40 score.
Losses came against San Francisco Dons and Oregon Ducks. These games highlighted areas needing improvement.
Injury Update
Noah Bendinger is questionable. His status remains uncertain due to an undisclosed injury.
Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 1-2 (33.3%)
- ATS Last 3: 2-0-1 (66.7%)
- O/U Last 3: 1-1 (50.0%)
- ATS as Underdog: 2-0 (100.0%)
North Dakota vs Montana Prediction: Montana +1.5
Montana enters this game with a better shooting percentage than North Dakota. They have a 47.2% field goal percentage compared to North Dakota's 39.9%. This shooting advantage could play a big role in a close game.
North Dakota struggles from beyond the arc, hitting only 25.3% of their three-point attempts. Montana, however, makes 38.5% of their three-point shots. This disparity may allow Montana to cover the spread, especially if the game is tight.
The head-to-head history shows Montana has won four of the last five meetings. This track record suggests they have a psychological edge. Their ability to perform well in recent matchups could translate to another strong showing.
Considering the stats and past performances, Montana +1.5 seems like the better option. Expect a closely contested game with Montana narrowly edging out North Dakota.
- North Dakota vs Montana Prediction: Montana +1.5
- North Dakota vs Montana Score: Montana 76 - North Dakota 74
Disclaimer: Knup Predictions are for entertainment and informational purposes only. Must be 21+ where applicable. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Get more picks and sports insights in your inbox
Subscribe to the Knup newsletter for nightly CBB previews, sports business notes, and ecosystem updates.