Pick details
| MATCHUP | Montana Grizzlies | North Dakota Fighting Hawks |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 1-2 | 1-2 |
| Where | Betty Engelstad Sioux Center, Grand Forks, ND | |
| When | Saturday, November 14, 2026 | |
| Time | 01:00 PM EST | |
| TV | Summit League Network | |
The Montana Grizzlies and the North Dakota Fighting Hawks will meet on Saturday afternoon in a non-conference college basketball matchup at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Let’s take a look at this game from a betting perspective.
Montana Grizzlies vs. North Dakota Fighting Hawks Prediction
In my opinion, this matchup favors the Montana Grizzlies. Why? Neither team has started the season particularly well, but Montana has faced significantly stronger competition and appears to hold the defensive edge entering this matchup.
The Grizzlies enter with a 1-2 record, suffering losses to the San Francisco Dons and the Oregon Ducks, two quality opponents. Montana’s lone victory came against the Salish Kootenai Bison. While the record is not impressive, the schedule has been considerably more challenging than North Dakota’s.
North Dakota enters the contest with a disappointing 0-3 record. The Fighting Hawks have suffered losses to the Minnesota Golden Gophers and the Clemson Tigers, and despite competing well offensively at times, defensive issues have been a major problem.
The statistical comparison favors Montana. The Grizzlies are allowing 75 points per game, while the Fighting Hawks are allowing a whopping 89 points per contest, which ranks 322nd nationally. That defensive discrepancy is difficult to ignore. With that said, I am backing the Montana Grizzlies on the moneyline in this game.
Montana Grizzlies Betting Preview
The Montana Grizzlies enter Saturday afternoon’s contest with a 1-2 overall win-loss record (1-0 home record, 0-2 mark on the road). The Grizzlies have already been tested by quality competition this season. Montana suffered losses to the San Francisco Dons and the Oregon Ducks before picking up its first victory against the Salish Kootenai Bison.
How have the Montana Grizzlies performed from a team data perspective? In three games played this season, the Montana Grizzlies are averaging just 63.5 points per game which ranks a dreadful 299th in the nation. Defensively, the Grizzlies are allowing 75.0 points per contest. Montana’s offense has certainly struggled to consistently generate points, but the Grizzlies have been noticeably better on the defensive end of the floor.
Looking ahead, Montana has upcoming games scheduled with Kansas State, Northern Arizona and the Arizona State Sun Devils.
North Dakota Fighting Hawks Betting Preview
The North Dakota Fighting Hawks enter Saturday afternoon’s matchup with an 0-3 overall record (0-0 at home, 0-3 mark on the road). The Fighting Hawks have faced a rather difficult schedule to open 2026 campaign, losing games to Minnesota, Winthrop and the Clemson Tigers.
Through three games this season, the North Dakota Fighting Hawks are averaging 73.3 points per game while allowing 89 points per contest, which ranks 322nd nationally. What did we learn from the data just presented? North Dakota has been capable offensively, but defensive struggles have consistently undermined the team’s efforts to consistently win basketball games. North Dakota will look to rebound from the team’s recent poor performances in this contest with the Montana Grizzlies.
Senior guard Samuel Hincapie has been a key contributor for North Dakota in 2026, averaging 17 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1 block on 54.5 percent shooting from the field per game.
Why the Montana Grizzlies Will Win
• Defensive advantage. Montana is allowing 75 points per game compared to North Dakota’s 89 points per contest.
• Battle tested schedule. The Grizzlies have already faced San Francisco and Oregon.
• Better overall balance. Montana has been more competitive defensively through the opening week.
Why the North Dakota Fighting Hawks Will Win
• Efficient offense. North Dakota is averaging 73.3 points per game.
• Home court advantage. The Fighting Hawks will play the team’s first game at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center.
• Experienced against quality opponents. North Dakota has already faced Minnesota and Clemson.
• Quality guard play. Senior guard Samuel Hincapie is averaging 17 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1 block on 54.5 percent shooting from the field per game.
