North Dakota fights hard against SE Louisiana in Cancun showdown

The North Dakota Fightin' Hawks faced the SE Louisiana Lions at Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya in Cancun, Mexico on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. This game marked a non-conference matchup as both teams were looking to improve their records. North Dakota came into this game with a record of 3-3, while SE Louisiana had a 2-4 record. This game provided both teams a critical opportunity to find their footing early in the season amidst their respective conference challenges. In the lead-up to the game, North Dakota's performance had been characterized by a modest scoring ability, averaging 70.0 points per game. Their hope was to capitalize on SE Louisiana's defensive struggles, as the Lions had been allowing an average of 69.8 points per game. North Dakota was ninth in the Summit League with a dismal 10.3 assists per game, indicating potential difficulties in creating opportunities under pressure. Treysen Eaglestaff was a standout player for North Dakota, leading the team in scoring with an average of 19.3 points per game at an impressive shooting percentage of 47.6%. On the other hand, SE Louisiana struggled particularly with their interior scoring, averaging only 30.7 points per game in the paint, with Jakevion Buckley being the top scorer in this department at 4.7 points per game for the Lions. They also faced challenges offensively with a shooting rate of 43.7%, which was notably below their opponents' average, underscoring some inefficiencies that could hurt their competitiveness in the match. Sam Hines Jr. provided some hope as he averaged 13.8 points and was a critical presence with 7.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals, showcasing some bright spots for the Lions. As the game unfolded, it held significant implications for both teams, with the Fightin' Hawks needing a victory to find some momentum and better their chances in the early part of the season, while the Lions were determined to turn their record around. The matchup was highly anticipated, not only due to the implications for both teams' records but also because it took place in an exciting location, offering a unique backdrop for collegiate basketball. Fans and players alike were looking forward to seeing how the dynamics of the game would play out and whether either team could capitalize on their strengths or address their weaknesses during the confrontation in Cancun.