Big Sky foes will lock horns when the North Dakota Fighting Hawks (10-10) challenge the Idaho State Bengals (10-10) at Betty Engelstad Sioux Center. Action begins at 8:00 pm ET on Thursday, Feb. 4.
The Fighting Hawks are hoping to rebound after their 71-70 loss to Northern Colorado in their last matchup. Drick Bernstine was the game’s leading scorer with 21 points. The Bengals, meanwhile, are coming off an 88-66 win against Northern Arizona in their last game. Geno Luzcando led the game in scoring by registering 30 points on 10-for-10 shooting.
Ethan Telfair has been hot for the Bengals, averaging 23.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 7.6 assists, 2.8 steals, and 1.8 three-pointers over the past five games.
The Bengals may not find many second-chance opportunities in this matchup. They’re ranked 272nd in the nation in offensive rebounding (OR% of 27.3%), whereas North Dakota is 30th-best in the nation on the defensive glass (DR% of 74.7%).
This is the second game of the year between these two teams, with the Fighting Hawks winning the first matchup 84-76. Telfair had a standout performance with 37 points, two rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and six three-pointers in the loss.
Notes
Idaho State won its last game by a 22-point margin. In games decided by a margin of 18 points or more, North Dakota is 5-1. Idaho State is 3-4 in blowouts this season.
The North Dakota Fighting Hawks average 72.3 possessions per game and 1.010 points per possession, while the Idaho State Bengals earn fewer possessions (71.2) but more points per possession (1.046).
The North Dakota Fighting Hawks average an effective field goal percentage of 50.7% this season. The Idaho State Bengals have a losing record of 3-7 when opponents have an eFG% of 50.7% or greater.
On average, the North Dakota Fighting Hawks attempt 16.0 three point field goals per game and the Idaho State Bengals attempt 22.0. In games where they attempt at least 20 threes, North Dakota has a solid 5-3 record, while Idaho State is 5-6.
The North Dakota Fighting Hawks make an average of 7.9 steals per game. When the Idaho State Bengals allow 7 or more steals, they are a winning 5-3.
