North Dakota St had control for long stretches, then had to earn it twice.
The Bison beat the South Dakota Coyotes 89-84 in overtime on Jan. 31, 2026, improving to 19-5 and extending their five-game winning form. South Dakota fell to 12-12, wasting a massive late surge that flipped the game’s texture and forced extra time.
How it happened
Through two quarters, North Dakota St looked like the steadier team, taking a 39-25 advantage into halftime. That cushion mattered, because what followed was a fourth quarter that nearly broke the game open in the other direction.
South Dakota erupted for 49 points in the fourth quarter, turning what had been a controlled Bison lead into a sprint. The Coyotes’ late offense dragged the game into overtime, where North Dakota St responded with a 15-10 edge to close the door.
Turning point: South Dakota’s fourth-quarter avalanche — and the OT response
The defining swing was the Coyotes’ 49-point fourth quarter, a stretch that transformed the night from a road win in progress into a test of composure. North Dakota St didn’t match that pace late in regulation, but it did stabilize in overtime, where its 15 points proved decisive against South Dakota’s 10.
By the numbers
Halftime: North Dakota St led 39-25.
Fourth quarter: South Dakota 49, North Dakota St 35.
Overtime: North Dakota St 15, South Dakota 10.
Final: North Dakota St 89, South Dakota 84.
What it means going forward
For North Dakota St, this was a win that reinforced the profile of a team that can win in multiple ways: build an early margin, absorb a late barrage, then execute in overtime. At 19-5 with a five-game winning form, the Bison left with another result that matches their momentum.
For South Dakota, the loss stings because the path was there. The Coyotes’ recent LWLWL form showed inconsistency, but the 49-point fourth quarter also showed their ceiling — the kind of late-game punch that can swing outcomes when it’s paired with steadier earlier stretches.
Game details
League: NCAA
Season: 2025-2026
Date: Jan. 31, 2026
Venue: TBD