Fighting Hawks Fall to Bison 95-70; Key Players Shine in Loss

The University of North Dakota (UND) suffered a disappointing 95-70 defeat to North Dakota State University (NDSU) on March 2, 2024, at the Scheels Center. This loss marks a significant setback for the Fighting Hawks as they prepare for the postseason, highlighting challenges faced against a dominant NDSU team that has only lost one game in the Summit League this season.

After the game, the Bison celebrated their regular season title, a stark reminder of the competitive nature of the rivalry. Despite the defeat, several individual performances stood out for UND, providing both optimism and areas for improvement as they move forward.

Mackenzie Hughes Reaches 2,000 Career Points

Graduate guard Mackenzie Hughes achieved a remarkable milestone by scoring her 2,000th career point during the game. In the final seconds of the second quarter, Hughes converted a layup while being fouled by Bison junior forward Avery Koenen. She completed the scoring with a free throw, marking a significant personal achievement.

“I’m glad to get it over,” Hughes said, reflecting on the pressure leading up to the game. “Obviously, it’s a great accomplishment. I wouldn’t be able to do it without my teammates and my coaches.” Hughes finished the game with a team-high 23 points, bringing her career total to 2,015 points, including 368 points scored in her season with the Fighting Hawks.

Postseason Awaits for the Hawks

The loss secured the No. 9 seed for UND in the Summit League tournament. They will face the eighth-seeded Omaha Mavericks on March 6, 2024, at 16:30 local time. “I’m super excited; it’s a great opportunity,” Hughes noted about the upcoming tournament.

Throughout the season, UND has split their encounters with Omaha, having achieved a convincing 75-54 victory on January 8 and a narrow 58-54 loss on February 5. Head coach Dennis Hutter expressed enthusiasm about the tournament, stating, “Any opportunity we get to play is an opportunity I’m excited about.”

Mataeya Mathern Emerges as a Key Contributor

Sophomore guard Mataeya Mathern made her second start of the season against NDSU, showcasing her growing importance to the team. Mathern contributed seven points and logged 27 minutes on the court, an increase in playing time compared to earlier in the season when she averaged just 7.2 minutes per game.

Hutter praised Mathern’s contributions, highlighting her “grit, toughness, effort, attitude,” and noted her commitment to the team. “She cares about the team so much,” he added, emphasizing the positive impact she has made in recent games.

Improved Ball Control Despite the Loss

One notable aspect of UND’s performance was their ball control. The Hawks averaged 20 turnovers per game but managed only nine against the Bison, with just three turnovers in the first half. This improvement allowed them to stay competitive, trailing by only one point at halftime.

“We were taking care of the ball,” Hutter stated. “We were making shots, six threes, that helps. We talk about defending and rebounding, but I thought taking care of the ball and shot-making was how we were able to hang with them.”

Sydney Piekny Continues to Shine

Sophomore Sydney Piekny maintained her scoring prowess, hitting three three-pointers during the game and finishing with ten points. Piekny has consistently performed well in recent matches, having made at least two three-pointers in nine of her last ten games.

Despite the loss, the Fighting Hawks will look to build on these individual performances as they head into the Summit League tournament. The upcoming matches present a crucial opportunity for the team to leverage their strengths and potentially make a significant impact in the postseason.