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North Dakota vs. Notre Dame || 11/19 (6 p.m.)
2nd meeting; Irish lead series 1-0
South Bend, Indiana (Purcell Pavilion)
FULL GAME NOTES ARE HERE
GRAND FORKS, N.D. – The North Dakota men’s basketball team is gearing up for an exciting matchup against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in South Bend, Indiana, on Tuesday night. Fans eager to follow the thrilling action can tune in to the radio play-by-play commentary provided by Paul Ralston on KSNR 100.3 FM The Cat or enjoy the live streaming options available on ESPN+ and ACCNX. Comprehensive live statistics will also be accessible at www.FightingHawks.com.
SERIES HISTORY
This highly anticipated contest marks just the second meeting in history between these two teams, the first of which took place on February 4, 1941, in South Bend, where the Fighting Irish triumphed over North Dakota with a score of 46-38 inside the renowned Notre Dame Fieldhouse. The Hawks will look to even the score after more than 80 years.
LAST TIME OUT
In an exhilarating home opener, North Dakota managed to outlast Utah Valley with a final score of 77-71, powered by an incredible 31-point performance from Treysen Eaglestaff, who achieved this feat by hitting 10 shots and converting eight free throws. The game was a nail-biter featuring an astounding 23 lead changes and seven ties. In a critical moment, trailing 57-56 with just 5:50 left, junior guard Eli King made a pivotal defensive play by blocking a baseline shot, keeping the game within reach before Eaglestaff hit a clutch step-back three-pointer to give the Hawks a 59-57 lead with just over five minutes to play.
The Hawks showcased their strong finishing abilities down the stretch, as Eaglestaff’s three-pointer, which came at the 3:30 mark, extended their lead to seven points at 64-57. Shortly after, Panoam delivered a critical finish through contact, which helped push the lead to nine, showcasing their resilience and determination as they successfully converted 13 of their 17 free throw attempts in the decisive final minutes of the game.
TIP TOP TREY
Eaglestaff’s exceptional performances over the past week (averaging 24.0 points per game while shooting 51.9% from the field, alongside 16-of-17 from the free throw line with 7 assists and 5 rebounds) earned him the distinction of being named Summit League Peak Performer of the Week for the fourth time in his career. His remarkable 31-point effort against Utah Valley is not only a personal best at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center but also marks the highest scoring output by a Hawk at home since Marlon Stewart’s impressive 35-point game against North Dakota State on February 22, 2020. This season’s performance positions him as the highest-scoring player from the Summit League so far.
As of now, Eaglestaff ranks second among Summit League players with an average of 20.0 points per game, a statistic that also places him within the top 60 scorers at the national level. His total of 60 points within the first three games is the seventh highest in the league, and his impressive shooting percentage of 52.8% from the field currently ranks fourth in the Summit League.
TOP 100 HAWKS
Statistically, North Dakota has consistently ranked inside the top 100 in four crucial categories, particularly in perimeter defense, where they currently stand third nationally, trailing only LSU and Pacific in field goal percentage defense at 19%. The Hawks have impressively held each of their first three opponents to a strikingly low shooting percentage from beyond the arc.
This early-season success is further evidenced by their ability to get to the free-throw line, ranking second in the Summit League with an average of 18.3 makes per game, positioning them as 56th in national rankings. This efficiency is bolstered by their impressive average of 24.7 attempts per game, which places them third in the Summit League and 73rd among all Division I teams. Individually, Amar Kuljuhovic has showcased his aggression, attempting 24 free throws, ranking third in the Summit League, while Eaglestaff’s phenomenal 94.1% free throw shooting places him just .3 percent short of the top spot in the league, having hit 16 free throws thus far, ranking fifth in league findings.
Additionally, the Hawks excel defensively on the boards, evident in their second-place ranking in the Summit League for defensive rebounds, securing 28.33 per game, a statistic that also places them just within the top 100 nationally at 99th.
STREAKING FROM RANGE
The Hawks have showcased their shooting prowess, successfully making 17 of 57 attempts from beyond the three-point arc in the initial stages of the 2024-25 season. Impressively, UND has maintained an active streak of hitting three or more three-point shots in each game, currently at 113 straight games. Under head coach Paul Sather’s leadership, the Hawks have accomplished this feat in an astonishing 155 out of 158 total games. Overall, North Dakota boasts a remarkable streak of 192 consecutive games with at least one three-point shot made.
UND BY THE NUMBERS
31- The number of points scored by Treysen Eaglestaff in the recent victory over Utah Valley, marking a personal best at home and the highest tally by a Hawk in their facility since 2020.
27- The instances under coach Paul Sather where an opponent has been held to shooting 23.5% or worse from the three-point line. In their latest matchup, Utah Valley only managed four successful attempts out of 18 from deep.
17- The consistent number of free throws made by the Fighting Hawks in each of their first three games this season as they maintain an impressive 74.3% free throw shooting percentage and an average of 18.3 makes per game.
8- The total number of times a Fighting Hawk has received the Summit League Peak Performer of the Week accolade, with Treysen Eaglestaff leading the pack with four under Sather’s coaching, while both Amar Kuljuhovic and Marlon Stewart have each achieved this honor four times also.
3- North Dakota’s national ranking for three-point shooting defense, as they possess a remarkable ability to limit opponents to a mere 19% from long distance across their first two games of the season.
A UND WIN WOULD
» Even the all-time series with Notre Dame at 1-1
» Give UND a 3-1 season record, marking the second consecutive season with a strong start
» Mark the first victory for the program against an ACC opponent
» Certainly be a significant boost compared to a loss
– How does Coach Sather believe the team’s strong perimeter defense will impact their performance against a high-scoring opponent like Notre Dame?
**Interview with Coach Paul Sather Ahead of North Dakota’s Showdown with Notre Dame**
**Editor:** Coach Sather, thank you for joining us today. The North Dakota men’s basketball team is set for an exciting matchup against Notre Dame on November 19. Can you share how the team is preparing for this pivotal game?
**Coach Sather:** Absolutely! We’re focused on maintaining our momentum following a strong performance against Utah Valley. Our players are working hard in practice, honing our defensive strategies and enhancing our offensive cohesion. Facing a team like Notre Dame is always a challenge, but it gives us a great opportunity to showcase what we’ve been building.
**Editor:** This game marks the second meeting between North Dakota and Notre Dame, with the Irish leading the series 1-0. What does it mean for your team to have the chance to even the score after so many years?
**Coach Sather:** It’s quite special for our players and our program. They understand the historical significance of this matchup. While the past is important, we’re focused on the present and how we can execute our game plan effectively. It’s all about playing to our strengths and putting forth a strong effort on the court.
**Editor:** Speaking of strengths, Treysen Eaglestaff has been phenomenal lately, particularly in the last game where he scored 31 points. How crucial is his role as your team heads into this matchup?
**Coach Sather:** Treysen is a key player for us. He has the ability to create his own shot and has been a leader both on and off the court. His performance against Utah Valley was impressive, and we’ll rely on him to continue making big plays. His confidence is contagious, and we’ll need that as we face a tougher opponent in Notre Dame.
**Editor:** Defensively, North Dakota ranks third nationally in perimeter defense. How important will that be against a team like the Fighting Irish, known for their offensive capabilities?
**Coach Sather:** Defense is always a priority for us, and it’s even more critical against a high-scoring team. We’ve emphasized perimeter defense in practice, and our ability to limit their three-point shooting will be essential. If we can control the tempo and force them into tough shots, we can give ourselves a great chance to compete.
**Editor:** The Hawks have a significant record of hitting three or more three-pointers in the last 113 games. What do you attribute this consistent shooting success to?
**Coach Sather:** That streak speaks to the hard work our players put in during practice and their dedication to improving their shooting skills. We encourage them to take smart shots within our system, and it’s paying off. If we can maintain our outside shooting performance, it will open up opportunities inside against Notre Dame’s defense.
**Editor:** how do you foresee this game impacting your team’s momentum moving forward this season?
**Coach Sather:** Every game is an opportunity to learn and grow, especially against a program like Notre Dame. A solid performance, regardless of the outcome, can build our confidence and set the tone for our season. We’re excited for the challenge and looking forward to showcasing our resilience.
**Editor:** Thank you, Coach Sather. We wish you and the team the best of luck on Tuesday night against Notre Dame!
**Coach Sather:** Thank you! We appreciate the support, and we’re ready for a great game!