SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Interstat) — In a heart-stopping finish that defied the odds, the North Dakota Fighting Hawks edged the Saint Thomas Tommies 67-66 in a men’s NCAA Division I basketball game Saturday night at a packed Elmen Center.

The game, organized by the Summit League, saw the Fighting Hawks overcome a significant halftime deficit and a late-game scare to secure the victory in front of 6,844 fans. The outcome flipped the script on both teams’ recent fortunes and statistical projections, as Saint Thomas entered as a heavy favorite with an 83% probability to win according to Interstat’s ELO system.

North Dakota, the visiting team, trailed 34-28 at halftime but mounted a determined second-half comeback. The Fighting Hawks outscored the Tommies 39-32 after the break, executing with precision in the final minutes to snatch the win.

The most critical sequence unfolded in the game’s waning seconds. With Saint Thomas clinging to a 66-65 lead, North Dakota’ Greyson Uelmen was fouled and sent to the free-throw line with 1.4 seconds remaining. The junior guard from Excelsior, Minnesota, calmly sank both free throws to put the Fighting Hawks ahead by one.

Saint Thomas had one final opportunity, but Austin Herro’s inbound pass was stolen by North Dakota’s Eli King as time expired, sealing the dramatic victory for the Fighting Hawks.

Uelmen was the undisputed star for North Dakota, delivering a game-high 28 points in 30 minutes of action. His clutch performance at the charity stripe capped a stellar outing and continued his recent scoring surge, coming off a 41-point effort against Denver just one day prior.

He was supported by Eli King of Caledonia, Minnesota, who added 17 points and a crucial late steal, and Garrett Anderson of Phoenix, Arizona, who chipped in 11 points.

Saint Thomas was led by Nolan Minessale of Brookfield, Wisconsin, who scored 23 points and dished out three assists. Ben Oosterbaan of Hinsdale, Illinois, provided 16 points, while Isaiah Johnson-Arigu of Maple Grove, Minnesota, contributed eight points off the bench. Austin Herro of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, facilitated the offense with seven assists.

The Tommies controlled much of the first half, building their lead behind efficient interior play and forcing several North Dakota turnovers. However, the Fighting Hawks’ defensive intensity ramped up after halftime, and they began to find Uelmen with consistency. The game transformed into a tense, back-and-forth affair featuring 10 lead changes and six ties, with neither team leading by more than seven points in the second half.

The loss was a tough blow for Saint Thomas, which fell to 24-9 on the season. The Tommies had won eight of their last nine games entering the contest. North Dakota, meanwhile, improved to 18-16, earning a pivotal victory as they continue their conference campaign.

The two teams had split their regular-season meetings, with each winning on the other’s home court. North Dakota won 81-80 at Saint Thomas on Jan. 29, while the Tommies secured a 91-80 victory in Grand Forks on Jan. 15.

The total points scored, 133, fell well under the over/under line of 156.5.

North Dakota is scheduled to face North Dakota State on Sunday, March 8, again at the Elmen Center in Sioux Falls.