CLEMSON, S.C. – The University of North Dakota men's basketball team fell 92-77 in a tightly contested battle at Clemson on Monday night. The Fighting Hawks finished their road trip to South Carolina with a 1-1 record and move to 1-2 on the season.
The game remained competitive throughout, featuring 10 lead changes and four ties. Clemson entered the contest averaging eight turnovers through its first two games, but UND's defensive pressure forced eight turnovers in the first 21 minutes. The Tigers finished with 12 giveaways, which the Fighting Hawks converted into 18 points while limiting Clemson to 11 points off turnovers.
Samuel Hincapie once again paced the UND offense, finishing with 22 points. The senior shot 4-for-7 from beyond the arc and went 8-for-13 from the free-throw line.
The Hawks took control early as
Zach Kraft tied the game at nine just 3:57 into the contest. After trading baskets,
Luke Winkel knocked down a jumper in the paint to give UND a two-point advantage. A three-pointer from Carter Evan extended the lead to 16-11 with 14:23 remaining in the first half.
North Dakota maintained its advantage and eventually extended the lead to six following another triple from Kraft, making it 23-17 with 10 minutes remaining. Clemson regained the lead with less than seven minutes left in the half, but the Hawks' strong shooting from beyond the arc helped them stay within striking distance. UND held a 37-35 advantage with 2:02 remaining before another three-pointer from Hincapie gave the Hawks a 40-38 lead heading into the break.
The game remained close to open the second half as the teams continued to trade leads, with neither side building more than a small advantage. An eight-point run by the Tigers gave the home team a 51-46 lead with 14:35 remaining.
Hincapie responded with six consecutive points to tie the game at 55 with 11:02 left on the clock. The senior followed with another triple just 44 seconds later to put the Hawks back in front, but a lengthy Clemson scoring run proved difficult to overcome.
Foul trouble hurt North Dakota down the stretch, allowing Clemson to build a 76-68 advantage with 4:21 remaining. The Fighting Hawks were unable to close the gap as the Tigers pulled away for a 92-77 victory.
The Hawks return to Grand Forks on Saturday, Nov. 14, to welcome former Big Sky Conference opponent Montana for their home opener. Tipoff is scheduled for noon at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center.
POSTGAME NOTES
- This was the first meeting between the two programs, giving Clemson a 1-0 advantage in the all-time series.
- North Dakota did not attempt a free throw until the second half, finishing 8-for-13 from the charity stripe.
- Luke Winkel came through in the second half, scoring 12 of his 14 points after the break. He went 2-for-2 from beyond the arc and 4-for-4 from the free-throw line in the final 20 minutes.
- The Hawks recorded their best three-point shooting performance of the season, going 13-for-27 from beyond the arc. UND knocked down eight triples in the first half, marking the first time it made eight three-pointers in a half since doing so against Omaha on Jan. 8, 2026.
- The UND defense held Clemson's leading scorer, Ace Buckner, to just one point in the first half. Buckner did not attempt a shot until the 2:17 mark.
- The Hawks were outrebounded 32-22, including a 10-rebound disadvantage on the defensive and offensive glass combined.
- Clemson found success in the paint, outscoring North Dakota 42-28 in that category.
- Neither team's bench made a significant impact offensively, with both sides recording 18 bench points.
- Despite the high-energy contest, neither team generated many fast-break opportunities. North Dakota recorded four fast-break points, while Clemson finished with two.
HOW IT HAPPENED
First Half
14:45 – North Dakota 13, Clemson 11
11:46 – North Dakota 18, Clemson 15
8:29 – North Dakota 25, Clemson 22
3:59 – Clemson 33, North Dakota 29
Halftime – North Dakota 40, Clemson 38
Second Half
14:57 – Clemson 47, North Dakota 46
11:52 – Clemson 55, North Dakota 51
7:44 – Clemson 63, North Dakota 60
5:20 - Clemson 70, North Dakota 63
3:14 – Clemson 79, North Dakota 71
Final – Clemson 92, North Dakota 77
For more information on North Dakota men's basketball, visit FightingHawks.com or follow the team on social media @UNDmbasketball.
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