In a thrilling finish, Eli King delivered a last-second three-pointer that propelled the North Dakota Fighting Hawks to a 90-88 victory over the Winthrop Eagles on March 15, 2024. The decisive shot came with just 0.5 seconds left on the clock, sending the 312 fans at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center into a frenzy as they celebrated the team’s hard-fought win.
King’s triumphant moment came on the heels of a disappointing performance against Western Illinois the previous week, where he had missed a potential game-tying shot at the buzzer. Reflecting on his recent challenges, King stated, “It felt good. I didn’t really think about (the 3-point shot against Western Illinois) until we got into the locker room.” His impressive performance included a team-high 25 points on 7-for-14 shooting, showcasing his pivotal role in the game.
Head coach Paul Sather expressed his relief and happiness for King, acknowledging how much the previous game had weighed on the young player’s mind. “I know he really wore that some,” Sather remarked. He emphasized that the team’s resilience was a key factor in overcoming past losses, particularly after suffering four narrow defeats against Division I opponents this season.
The match was not without its challenges. After allowing a 13-1 run to end the first half, the Hawks found themselves trailing 47-38 at the start of the second half. However, the team rallied, displaying tenacity and grit that Sather praised. “Our guys fought for the right reasons,” he said. “They made mistakes but just kept fighting. You can’t roll over and die; you’ve got to fight.”
The second half saw increased intensity, with both teams combining for 51 free-throw attempts and a pair of technical fouls. Freshman guard Anthony Smith III played a crucial role in the comeback, providing not only points but also strong rebounding, with six rebounds—four of which were offensive. Smith’s performance exemplified the Hawks’ renewed focus on rebounding, an area they struggled with in previous games.
King highlighted the importance of rebounding, stating, “That’s where it needs to be all the time. Rebounding was something we’ve really focused on.” The Hawks managed to out-rebound the Eagles 38-33, a significant improvement over their last outing against Western Illinois, where they surrendered 25 offensive rebounds.
With the victory, the Fighting Hawks improved their season record to 5-9, providing a much-needed boost in confidence. Looking ahead, Sather acknowledged the importance of building on this success. “We haven’t figured everything out yet, but waking up tomorrow and fighting another day is what it’s all about,” he said.
The Hawks will face a formidable challenge next as they travel to Nebraska for another non-conference matchup, set for March 17 at 19:00. Sather’s focus remains on instilling a belief in his team that they can capitalize on opportunities and continue to improve as the season progresses.