UND storms back from early deficit to earn road win over Winthrop

The familiar script played out again Saturday afternoon in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Just like a year prior when the Fighting Hawks rallied from a first-half deficit at home to defeat Winthrop with a last-second three-pointer, UND found themselves clawing back from an early hole against the Eagles. This time, however, the game-winning moment didn’t come in the form of a clutch shot; it arrived courtesy of free throws, as junior guard Luke Winkel calmly sank two with 30 seconds remaining to give UND a 91-90 lead and another two with 14 seconds left to ice the 93-90 victory. The Fighting Hawks improved to 1-1 on the season, while Winthrop fell to 0-2, continuing a season of early road tests for the team.

What Happened

The game unfolded as a tale of two halves, punctuated by momentum swings and crucial free throws. UND initially struggled against Winthrop’s early pressure, falling behind by as many as 14 points and being outrebounded in the first half. However, a late 13-6 run before halftime allowed them to close the gap, trailing by only three points at the break. The Hawks carried that energy into the second half, quickly seizing a 52-50 lead with a jumper from Andrija Radojević and leading for much of the remainder of the contest. Spence Sims briefly reclaimed the lead for Winthrop with a late three-pointer, but Winkel’s clutch free throws ultimately sealed the victory for UND. The final score reflected an aggressive game, as UND finished 34-for-41 from the free-throw line while Winthrop struggled to contain drives to the basket.

Senior guard Samuel Hincapie led the Hawks with a team-high 24 points, shooting 9-for-15 from the field and contributing seven rebounds. Winkel added 16 points, an impressive 10-for-11 performance from the free throw line, while Andrija Radojević provided a scoring boost off the bench with 15 points. Winthrop's Spence Sims led all scorers with 25 points, shooting 7-for-11 from beyond the arc, proving to be a key offensive threat for the Eagles. Former UND guard Anthony Smith III contributed 15 points on a 5-for-10 shooting performance, and George Natsvlishvili added six. UND Athletics continues to build a program with a tradition of resilience and competitive spirit.

The Hawks’ defensive pressure also proved pivotal, forcing 15 turnovers from Winthrop and capitalizing with 26 points off those mistakes. Conversely, UND committed only 11 turnovers, demonstrating a commitment to ball security. A significant turnaround occurred on the glass in the second half, with UND outrebounding Winthrop 38-35 after struggling in the first frame. The team's ability to adapt and adjust throughout the game showcased their preparedness and coaching acumen.

Community Reaction

While direct quotes from Grand Forks residents were not available, the victory undoubtedly brought a sense of pride and excitement to the community. The Fighting Hawks’ tradition of overcoming adversity resonates deeply with many in the region, who value perseverance and determination. Seeing UND rally from behind, mirroring familiar stories of resilience within our own community, provides a source of inspiration and shared identity. The importance of strong family values – teamwork, commitment, and overcoming challenges together – is often reflected in the spirit of UND athletics.

“It was a fitting end,” according to the report, highlighting the significance of free throws in securing the win. The ability to remain composed under pressure and execute fundamentals when it matters most speaks volumes about the team’s maturity and training. Samuel Hincapie's performance, with 24 points and 7 rebounds, was particularly noteworthy. “Things didn't look great for UND in the first half,” as noted, reminding us that even in moments of struggle, perseverance can lead to success. This resonates with the values many families hold dear – facing challenges head-on and refusing to give up.

What’s Next

The Fighting Hawks will continue their three-game road trip Monday against Clemson, before returning to Grand Forks for their home opener against Montana on Nov. 14. Fans can find schedule information and ticket details at the UND Athletics website. The upcoming games present opportunities for the team to further refine their strategies and build momentum as they navigate a challenging early-season schedule. The Clemson game, in particular, will provide a significant test against a traditionally strong program.

Tyler Wagner, a sophomore transfer guard from Austin Peay, remains sidelined due to an injury sustained against Minnesota. His status moving forward is uncertain, creating an opportunity for other players to step up and contribute. Carter Evanson, a true freshman from Horace, N.D., seized that opportunity by stepping into the starting lineup and delivering a solid performance with five steals, five rebounds, two assists, and five points. Horace Public Schools can be proud of one of their own contributing to the team's success.

Lance's Take

What unfolded in Rock Hill wasn’t just a basketball game; it was a testament to the enduring power of perseverance. Seeing a team overcome adversity, falling behind early only to claw their way back to victory, is a story that resonates deeply within our community. It echoes the challenges many families face – navigating setbacks, staying committed through difficult times, and ultimately finding success through hard work and determination. The reliance on free throws in the final moments highlights the importance of fundamentals and mental toughness - qualities that are essential both on and off the court.

While Wagner's injury presents a challenge, it also creates an opportunity for other players to step up and demonstrate their abilities. The performance of Carter Evanson is a shining example of how young talent can rise to the occasion when called upon. As we celebrate this victory, let’s remember that true success isn’t just about winning games; it's about building character, fostering resilience, and demonstrating unwavering commitment to our values. It’s a reminder that even when things get tough, there’s always a reason to keep fighting and striving for what’s right. The long-term success of any program – athletic or otherwise – depends on strong mentorship and dedicated support systems.

Resources

For those interested in following UND men’s basketball, here are several resources:

• UND Athletics Website: https://www.gobison.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule - Provides schedules, scores, news, and ticket information.
• Summit League Website: https://www.summitleague.org/sports/mens-basketball - Offers comprehensive coverage of Summit League basketball.
• Grand Forks Herald Sports: https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports - Delivers local sports news and analysis.
• Winthrop Athletics Website: https://www.winthrop.edu/athletics/ - Provides information about Winthrop University athletics programs.
• Clemson Athletics Website: https://clemsontigers.com/ - Offers information about Clemson University athletics programs.
• Montana Athletics Website: https://gomonana.com/ - Provides information about Montana University athletics programs.
• City of Grand Forks Parks and Recreation: https://www.grandforksdakota.gov/parks-recreation – Offers recreational opportunities for the community.
• Grand Forks Public Schools: https://www.gfnd.org/ - Supports education and youth development in the Grand Forks area.
• Horace Public Schools: https://www.horacepublicschools.org/ - Provides education for students in Horace, N.D.
• North Dakota Department of Commerce: https://www.ndcommerce.com/ - Promotes economic development and supports businesses in North Dakota

The community’s continued support of UND athletics strengthens the fabric of our region, fostering a sense of shared purpose and pride.

As the Fighting Hawks prepare for their upcoming games, let’s remember the values that define our community – perseverance, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. The journey ahead will undoubtedly present new challenges, but with hard work, dedication, and a strong sense of unity, we can achieve great things.

Closing paragraph: The victory over Winthrop serves as a reminder of the Fighting Hawks' ability to overcome adversity and the importance of community support in achieving success. As the team embarks on the remainder of their road trip and prepares for their home opener, residents of Grand Forks can look forward to witnessing more exciting moments and celebrating the enduring spirit of UND basketball.