Pick details
| MATCHUP | North Dakota Fighting Hawks | Minnesota Golden Gophers |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Spread | +26.5 -115 | -26.5 -105 |
| Moneyline | +2500 | -9000 |
| Total | Over 147.5 (-105) | Under 147.5 (-115) |
| Where | The Barn by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN | |
| When | Monday, November 2, 2026 | |
| Time | 09:00 PM EST | |
| TV | B1G+ | |
North Dakota vs Minnesota Prediction
North Dakota has a lot of roster turnover and just doesn’t have the talent to give Minnesota issues. It’s a massive line, but this is one of the more talented Minnesota teams we’ve seen in recent memory. Minnesota should make a push to lock up a bid for the NCAA Tournament. If that’s going to happen, a game like this shouldn’t be an issue. North Dakota has to prove it can become a consistent program before I start getting involved with the big boys. This feels like a spot where North Dakota is biting off a bit more than it can chew. Give me Minnesota in a blowout on Monday night.
North Dakota Fighting Hawks Betting Preview
North Dakota won 18 games last season and enters year eight under coach Paul Sather. North Dakota hasn’t made the big dance since the 2016-17 season.
Zach Kraft returns after averaging 8.1 points and 2.1 rebounds, while Josh Jones averaged 2.8 points and 3.3 rebounds. Karson Ouse returns after playing in 87 minutes last season. North Dakota only returns three players, so there’s clear roster turnover. Tyler Wagner transfers from Austin Peay after playing in 23 games last season. After reaching the conference title game last year, North Dakota looks to prove it can become a consistent winning program.
Minnesota Golden Gophers Betting Preview
Minnesota won 15 games last season and enters the second year under coach Niko Medved. Minnesota hasn’t made the big dance since the 2018-19 season.
Jaylen Crocker-Johnson returns after averaging 13.4 points and 6.8 rebounds, while Isaac Asuma averaged 10.9 points and 4 rebounds. Bobby Durkin is a third double-digit returning scorer, and Grayson Grove played in 659 minutes last season. Minnesota also snagged Kyan Evans from North Carolina, Malick Kordel from Michigan, and Malachi Palmer from Villanova. Optimism is high for year two under Medved given the returning production and the guys added in the portal. There’s a realistic path to the NCAA Tournament for the Golden Gophers if things break right.
Why the North Dakota State Bison will win
- North Dakota State has won each of its last nine home night games against non-Conference opponents.
Matchup/League Facts
- North Dakota State ranked 25th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw attempts per game last season (15.9).
- North Dakota State ranked 33rd among Division 1 teams for point differential per game last season (+10.1).
Randy Chambers's Pick: Minnesota -26.5
