North Dakota Stuns St. Thomas, Advances to Summit League Championship
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – A last-second free throw from George Natsvlishvili lifted the No. 3 North Dakota Fighting Hawks to a thrilling 67-66 victory over No. 2 St. Thomas in the Summit League Tournament semifinals Saturday night. The Hawks will face No. 1 North Dakota State in the championship game on Sunday at 8 p.m. CT, televised on CBS Sports Network.
North Dakota overcame being outrebounded and facing fewer shot attempts, holding St. Thomas to 4-of-24 shooting from three-point range. Greyson Uelmen led UND with 28 points, even as Eli King added 17 and reached 500 career rebounds. The Hawks are seeking their first Summit League title since 2020 and a trip to the NCAA Tournament.
North Dakota Stuns St. Thomas, Advances to Summit League Championship
Sioux Falls, S.D. – North Dakota overcame a tough battle against No. 2 St. Thomas, securing a thrilling 67-66 victory in the Summit League Tournament semifinals on Saturday night. The No. 3 seeded Fighting Hawks will now face No. 1 North Dakota State in the championship game on Sunday evening.
Last-Second Heroics Seal the Deal
The game hung in the balance until the very end. With the score tied at 66-66, George Natsvlishvili was fouled with just .1 seconds remaining on the clock. He calmly sank the first free throw, providing the decisive point for North Dakota. Eli King’s crucial interception with five seconds left set the stage for the dramatic finish.
Uelmen’s Stellar Performance Leads the Charge
Greyson Uelmen delivered a remarkable performance, scoring 28 points on an efficient 9-for-11 shooting from the field and an impressive 9-for-12 from beyond the arc. His scoring prowess has been a key factor in North Dakota’s tournament run, amassing 69 points across the two games while shooting 22-of-30 from the floor.
Did you know? Uelmen is quickly becoming a March legend, consistently delivering clutch performances for the Fighting Hawks.
King’s All-Around Contribution
Eli King also made a significant impact, contributing 17 points, four rebounds, and two assists. Notably, his four rebounds pushed him past the 500 career rebound milestone. King’s versatility proved vital in securing the win.
Overcoming Adversity
North Dakota faced a challenging matchup, being outrebounded 39-25 and attempting 16 fewer shots than St. Thomas. However, the Fighting Hawks’ defense held the Tommies to a mere 4-of-24 shooting from three-point range and 25-of-60 from the field overall.
First Half Recap
The first half was a back-and-forth affair, featuring five ties and five lead changes. St. Thomas dominated the offensive glass with 12 rebounds compared to zero for North Dakota, but the Fighting Hawks only trailed by six points at halftime. Garrett Anderson led North Dakota with 10 first-half points.
Second Half Surge
The second half saw a dramatic shift in momentum. A pivotal 8-0 run sparked by Uelmen’s three-pointers gave North Dakota a 56-54 lead. The game remained tightly contested, with multiple lead changes in the final minutes. Thomas’s clutch three-pointer tied the game at 60-60, setting the stage for the dramatic finish.
Championship Showdown Awaits
North Dakota will now face top-seeded North Dakota State in the Summit League Championship game on Sunday at 8 p.m. CT, broadcast live on CBS Sports Network. This marks North Dakota’s second appearance in the championship game since 2020.
FAQ
Q: Where will the Summit League Championship game be played?
A: The championship game will be played in Sioux Falls, S.D.
Q: What time does the championship game start?
A: The game is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. CT on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
Q: Where can I watch the championship game?
A: The game will be broadcast live on CBS Sports Network.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Greyson Uelmen – his scoring ability makes him a player to watch in the championship game.
Don’t miss the action as North Dakota battles North Dakota State for the Summit League title and a potential NCAA Tournament berth. Stay tuned to 247sports.new for continued coverage of the Summit League Tournament.