MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The University of North Dakota men's basketball team opened its 2026-27 campaign on Monday night at Minnesota, falling to the Golden Gophers, 85-50.
Jayden Moore made an immediate impact in his collegiate debut, leading the Fighting Hawks with 13 points. The freshman shot 6-of-14 from the field while adding three rebounds.
Andrija Radojevic also reached double figures in his first collegiate appearance, finishing with 10 points while going a perfect 4-of-4 from the free-throw line.
The score remained close in the opening minutes, with
Luke Winkel knocking down a three-pointer for North Dakota's first field goal of the contest. Minnesota began to create separation midway through the first half, building a 20-9 advantage. The Golden Gophers' defense limited the Hawks to just 8-of-32 shooting from the field in the opening 20 minutes. Moore provided a late spark, converting a pair of layups in the final minute to cut into the deficit. Minnesota carried a 41-25 lead into halftime.
Samuel Hincapie opened the second-half scoring with a driving layup just 16 seconds after the break. However, Minnesota responded with an extended run to stretch its advantage to 59-27.
With 10:48 remaining, Moore sparked the UND bench with a steal and fast-break layup, drawing a foul on the play. Just 19 seconds later,
Carter Evanson converted a driving layup of his own and was fouled. Both Hawks converted their respective free throws to bring the score to 64-36.
North Dakota continued to generate defensive opportunities as
Zack Parks recorded another steal, taking advantage of a Minnesota inbound pass.
Zach Kraft capitalized on the possession, knocking down a three-pointer off an assist from Winkel.
Despite the Hawks' efforts, the early Minnesota advantage proved too much to overcome, as North Dakota fell to the Golden Gophers, 85-50.
The Fighting Hawks will now turn their attention to a two-game road trip in South Carolina, beginning with Winthrop on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 11 a.m. CT. North Dakota will then face Clemson on Monday, Nov. 9, at 6 p.m. CT.
POSTGAME NOTES
- Minnesota now leads the all-time series, 21-2, following Monday's victory.
- The UND bench accounted for 35 of the team's 50 points.
- Zack Parks led the Fighting Hawks defensively with six rebounds and three steals.
- Luke Winkel, Jayden Moore and Parks each recorded two assists.
- North Dakota struggled from beyond the arc, connecting on just 3-of-28 three-point attempts.
- Carter Evanson and Samuel Hincapie each recorded a block against the Golden Gophers.
- The Hawks held the advantage at the free-throw line, shooting 13-of-19 compared to Minnesota's 7-of-13.
HOW IT HAPPENED
First Half
15:25 – UMN 6, UND 3
11:46 – UMN 15, UND 5
7:56 – UMN 22, UND 10
3:40 – UMN 35, UND 13
Halftime: UMN 41, UND 25
Second Half
15:49 – UMN 53, UND 27
10:48 – UMN 62, UND 33
7:56 – UMN 72, UND 41
3:24 – UMN 83, UND 45
Final: UMN 85, UND 50
For more information on North Dakota men's basketball, visit FightingHawks.com or follow the team on social media @UNDmbasketball.
--UND--
