Montana Overcomes UND Deficit to Win at Betty Engelstad Sioux Center

Despite shooting at least 40% from 3-point range for the second game, the Fighting Hawks could not overcome a massive deficit on the boards, Grand Forks Herald reported.

The Grizzlies dominated the glass, outrebounding UND 43-25 to secure the win at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center. While the Hawks managed to build an 11-point lead with 9:31 remaining in the second half, Montana’s Jordan Clark ignited a late surge that the home team could not answer.

“We did some nice things,” head coach Paul Sather said. “We forced some turnovers, they totally went away from ball screens in the second half, we got stops we needed, we just didn’t get the rebounds.”

Montana’s ability to control possessions proved to be the deciding factor in the contest. Clark finished with 30 points, including a 20-point outburst in the second frame and 12 points in the final 6:20 to seal the comeback.

The statistical gap in rebounding created a cycle of extra possessions for the Grizzlies, particularly during the closing minutes of the game. As the Hawks struggled to secure defensive rebounds, Montana was able to extend possessions and capitalize on free throw opportunities.

“We were up 11 because we were at least managing the glass good enough. It wasn’t great, but good enough. But eventually, some of those rebound kickout threes or rebounds where we foul, now they’re shooting free throws and making free throws, eventually that catches up with us, and it caught up with us in that last eight minutes,” Sather told Grand Forks Herald.

UND’s offensive production was anchored by junior guard Luke Winkel, who scored a team-high 21 points on 4-for-7 shooting from beyond the arc. Sophomore Zack Parks added 12 points off the bench, shooting 5-for-8.

Player	Team	Points
Jordan Clark	Montana	30
Luke Winkel	UND	21
Zack Parks	UND	12

The game saw frequent changes in momentum. UND held a 38-33 lead at halftime following two triples by Winkel in the final minute of the first half. After Andrija Radojevic hit back-to-back 3-pointers to give UND a 58-47 lead in the second half, the Grizzlies responded with a 17-2 run.

“What really put the nail in the coffin for us was the rebounding,” Winkel said. “They almost doubled us in the rebounding. It’s pretty tough to win a game when you just get outrebounded like that.”

The loss leaves the Hawks looking to refine their interior presence as they prepare for their next contest. The team is scheduled to host SIUE on Tuesday at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center.

Montana Overcomes UND Deficit to Win at Betty Engelstad Sioux Center

The matchup was originally intended for Monday but faced a delay following a nationwide air traffic shutdown. The scheduling change reflects the logistical volatility currently affecting travel and sports scheduling across the country.

“I think this is a necessary evil of a game to have,” Winkel said.

The Hawks aim to bounce back on Tuesday after a performance where they shot 12-for-30 from 3-point range but failed to control the paint.

“We’re going to come out on the other side of this a lot better,” Winkel said.