Eaglestaff Shines as Hawks Soar Past SDSU to Claim Summit Semifinal Spot – UND Athletics

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – March is a thrilling time, especially for North Dakota junior guard Treysen Eaglestaff who shone brightly. Hailing from Bismarck, Eaglestaff made history with a stunning performance, scoring 51 points in the Summit League quarterfinals. The Fighting Hawks took down South Dakota State 85-69, moving on to the semifinals.

Eaglestaff hit 15 of 28 shots, including 8 of 18 from three-point range and 13 of 17 free throws in just 38 minutes of play.

The Hawks started slow, facing two scoring droughts early on that let SDSU surge ahead to a 16-10 lead. Despite struggling initially, they clawed their way back, with Eaglestaff scoring 20 points by halftime, bringing North Dakota within five.

In the second half, after a few turnovers, SDSU extended their lead, but Eaglestaff quickly answered, draining a long jumper. The Hawks continued to rally, and by the game’s final minutes, they led 61-58, with Eaglestaff driving their offense.

North Dakota sealed the victory with key three-pointers and solid defense. They held SDSU to just 6-for-34 shooting in the second half, a stunning drop in their performance. Eaglestaff’s final points came from the free-throw line, capping an incredible night.

The Hawks now face St. Thomas for a shot at the tournament finals. The game will tip-off at 9:15 P.M. and can be viewed on CBS Sports Network.

• This win marks North Dakota’s fourth in the Summit League Tournament.
• It’s their third semifinal appearance, showcasing the program’s continued success.
• Eaglestaff’s 51 points set a new tournament record, surpassing the previous mark of 38 points.
• He tied records for shot attempts (28), field goals made (15), and three-pointers made (8).
• With this performance, Eaglestaff continues to impress, being the only DI player this season with multiple games scoring over 40 points.
• Junior guard Eli King added 13 points, contributing vital baskets at crucial moments.
• Amar Kuljuhovic led the team in rebounds with nine.

The Fighting Hawks are ready for their next challenge. Stay tuned for another exciting game!

— UND —

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