GRAND FORKS, N.D. (Interstat) — A pivotal Summit League men’s basketball matchup is set for Saturday at Engelstad Arena as the North Dakota Fighting Hawks host the South Dakota Coyotes.

Both teams enter with momentum from high-scoring performances, albeit with different results last time out. South Dakota (10-9, 2-1 Summit) is coming off a 99-83 home win over Missouri-Kansas City on Thursday. North Dakota (9-12, 2-2) fell 91-80 at home to Saint Thomas (Minn.) the same night.

The game features two of the conference’s top offensive talents. South Dakota’s surge has been fueled by forward Cameron Fens, who is averaging 22.3 points and 8.2 rebounds over his last six games. He exploded for 31 points in just 26 minutes against UMKC and posted a 23-point, 12-rebound double-double in a win over Denver on Jan. 10.

North Dakota will counter with guard Greyson Uelmen, who has scored in double figures in five straight games, averaging 15.2 points during that stretch. He tallied 19 points in the loss to Saint Thomas and was instrumental in recent league wins over South Dakota State and Oral Roberts.

The Coyotes have won two straight, showcasing an potent offense that has averaged 90.5 points in those victories. Isaac Bruns (22 points) and Jordan Crawford (16 points) provided key support alongside Fens against UMKC.

The Fighting Hawks have shown resilience at home in conference play, with an overtime win over South Dakota State and a victory over Oral Roberts at Engelstad earlier this month. Anthony Smith III, who scored 19 points alongside Uelmen on Thursday, will be another crucial piece for the North Dakota attack.

This contest is the first of a regular-season series between the interstate rivals. They will meet again in Vermillion on Wednesday, Feb. 11.

Following this game, South Dakota travels to face Omaha on Jan. 21. North Dakota hits the road for two games, beginning at Oral Roberts on Jan. 22.

Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. CST Saturday.