Sports Scoreboard (Friday, Nov. 13, 2026)

The roar of the crowd at Scheels Arena last Friday night wasn’t just about the thrill of victory—it was a testament to the grit and determination of the North Dakota State Bison men’s basketball team. In a nail-biting overtime battle, the Bison edged out Illinois State 82-81, a win that resonated far beyond the court and speaks to the enduring spirit of competition in our region. This victory, alongside other athletic achievements across the state, underscores the importance of dedication and teamwork—values that are increasingly vital in a rapidly changing world.

Weekend Sports Highlights: A Region in Action

The weekend’s sporting events showcased a breadth of talent and competition across North Dakota and Minnesota. In men’s college basketball, the North Dakota State Bison secured a dramatic overtime victory against Illinois State, while Washburn (Kan.) defeated Minnesota State Moorhead. On the women’s side, Concordia triumphed over Simpson in another collegiate basketball matchup. The cross-country scene saw intense competition at the NCAA Division I Midwest Region Championships held in Ames, Iowa, with Iowa State taking the top spot for the women and Oklahoma State for the men. North Dakota State University, a cornerstone of our community's higher education and athletic pride, fielded a team that fought valiantly against strong regional contenders.

The cross-country results revealed a complex landscape of performance, with North Dakota placing 7th among women and 13th among men. Individual runners from North Dakota State, including Jade Rypkema (63rd), Logan Harz (65th), and William Gerber (80th), demonstrated individual effort and perseverance. The men’s cross-country team also saw Ethan Moe finish 97th, Quinn Roehl 129th, and Regan Bosch 138th. These athletes represent the dedication and hard work that defines our state’s collegiate athletic programs.

Beyond collegiate athletics, high school sports also delivered exciting results. In the North Dakota 9-man football playoffs, LaMoure-Litchville/Marion secured a championship victory in overtime against New Rockford-Sheyenne-Maddock. Harvey/Wells County claimed the Division A title, while Kindred and Bismarck Legacy emerged victorious in Divisions 2A and 3A, respectively. These wins reflect the unwavering commitment of young athletes and the supportive communities that rally behind them. The Minnesota high school scene also saw impressive performances, with Rosemount and Centennial advancing in Class 6-A, and Fergus Falls securing a victory in Class 4-A.

The hockey rinks were also buzzing with activity. Sioux City defeated Fargo in junior hockey, while UND (University of North Dakota) secured a victory against St. Thomas in men's college hockey. The Maple Grove team triumphed over Moorhead in girls’ high school hockey, and volleyball tournaments kept fans on the edge of their seats, with West Fargo Sheyenne and West Fargo Horace advancing in the EDC Volleyball Tournament. Minnesota State High School League plays a vital role in fostering athletic development and sportsmanship across the state.

Cross Country Championship Details

Key Dates and Results

At the NCAA Division I Midwest Region Cross Country Championships in Ames, Iowa, Iowa State’s women’s team took first place with a score of 72, while Oklahoma State secured the men’s title with a score of 57. North Dakota placed 7th in the women’s race (213 points) and 13th in the men’s race (363 points). NDSU's Jade Rypkema finished 63rd in the women's 6K with a time of 20:46.1, and Logan Harz followed closely at 65th with a time of 20:46.4. On the men’s side, William Gerber completed the 10K in 30:30.0, placing 80th, while Ethan Moe finished 97th with a time of 30:52.6.

Football Standings and Upcoming Games

The Mountain West Conference football standings show New Mexico leading with a 5-0 conference record and an overall record of 8-1. North Dakota State sits at 4-2 in conference and 7-2 overall. Upcoming games include Nevada at Northern Illinois, UNLV at New Mexico, North Dakota State at Hawaii, and Wyoming at UTEP. In the Missouri Valley Football Conference, Youngstown State leads with a 6-1 conference record and an 8-2 overall record.

The NSIC (Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference) saw Minnesota State and Augustana tied for first place with 8-1 records. Local high school football action included Minot State at Minnesota Duluth, Winona State at Southwest Minnesota State, and a significant matchup between Minnesota State and MSU Moorhead at the Fargodome.

Community Reaction: A Source of Pride and Unity

The victories, particularly the NDSU men’s basketball win, sparked a wave of excitement and pride throughout the Fargo-Moorhead community and beyond. Social media platforms buzzed with congratulatory messages and shared moments of celebration. The resilience displayed by the Bison, battling back to secure the overtime victory, resonated with many who appreciate the value of perseverance and teamwork. These moments of shared experience strengthen community bonds and reinforce the importance of supporting local athletes.

These victories are a source of inspiration for young people and reinforce the values of hard work and commitment.

What’s Next: Looking Ahead to the Season

With the cross-country season winding down and basketball and hockey underway, the focus now shifts to upcoming competitions. The NDSU men's basketball team will continue their season with a series of games, aiming to build on their early success. The football playoffs will continue, with Nevada facing Northern Illinois, UNLV playing New Mexico, and North Dakota State traveling to Hawaii. The Minnesota high school volleyball tournament progresses toward its championship rounds, while hockey teams prepare for crucial conference matchups.

The upcoming week promises further excitement as teams across the region compete for championships and recognition. The continued success of these athletic programs not only brings prestige to our community but also provides valuable opportunities for young people to develop character, leadership skills, and a sense of belonging. The Fargodome will host a significant matchup between Minnesota State and MSU Moorhead, highlighting the region's commitment to supporting collegiate athletics.

Resources for Local Sports Fans

For those looking to stay informed about local sports news and events, several resources are readily available. The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead provides comprehensive coverage of high school and collegiate athletics, while the North Dakota State University Athletics website offers schedules, scores, and news updates. The Minnesota State High School League website (Minnesota State High School League) provides information on high school sports across the state. Local television and radio stations also offer sports coverage, keeping residents connected to the action.

Forward Look: A Season of Potential

As the winter sports season progresses, the Fargo-Moorhead community can look forward to a continued display of athletic excellence and unwavering commitment. The successes of this past weekend serve as a powerful reminder of the potential that lies within our region’s athletes and the importance of supporting their endeavors. With dedication, perseverance, and a strong sense of community, we can expect to see even greater achievements in the seasons to come. This is a region where grit and grace meet on the field, the court, and the track, inspiring us all to strive for excellence in every aspect of our lives.

It’s also worth considering the broader economic impact of these athletic programs. Successful teams attract visitors, generate revenue, and enhance the reputation of our region. Investing in athletics is an investment in our community’s future—a future where young people have the opportunity to pursue their dreams and contribute to our collective success. And as families gather to support these athletes, we are reminded of the importance of strong family units and the values that bind us together.