GRAND FORKS, N.D. — In an exciting Summit League matchup on Thursday night, the Denver Pioneers secured a hard-fought 68-64 win over the North Dakota Fightin’ Hawks. The star of the evening was Sebastian Akins, who contributed significantly with 16 points and three steals for Denver, improving their season record to 9-18 overall and 3-9 in the league.

Akins wasn’t alone in his efforts; Nicholas Shogbonyo also played a crucial role by scoring 14 points and grabbing six rebounds. DeAndre Craig further bolstered the Pioneers’ performance with 11 points, showcasing a well-rounded team effort.

On the other side of the court, Treysen Eaglestaff delivered an impressive performance for the Fightin’ Hawks, tallying 29 points and leading his team in scoring. Amar Kuljuhovic provided additional support with 17 points and eight rebounds, while Eli King contributed six points, seven rebounds, and three steals.

The Pioneers set the tone early, dominating the first half and heading into halftime with a substantial lead of 35-19. In the second half, Craig emerged as the leading scorer for Denver, adding nine points to help secure the victory.

Looking ahead, both teams are scheduled to play again on Saturday. Denver will be facing off against North Dakota State, while North Dakota will host Oral Roberts in what promises to be another exciting round of Summit League action.