There are certainly nights to remember in college basketball, and this was certainly that kind of performance for Treysen Eaglestaff. A 6’6 guard from Bismarck, North Dakota, has ignited what could be quite the postseason run for the Fighting Hawks of North Dakota, and he did it in absolute style.
Eaglestaff averaged 18.3 points per game this season and had very solid shooting figures, but when the lights were the brightest he has shined the most. He attracted national attention for his 40-point performance against Alabama in a close loss back in mid-December, but he one-upped even himself on Friday night in Sioux Falls.
Treysen Eaglestaff drops FIFTY ONE points as North Dakota upsets South Dakota State in the Summit quarterfinals.
— Heat Check CBB (@HeatCheckCBB) March 8, 2025
He finished 15-of-28 from the field with eight made 3-pointers, 4 assists and 2 steals. pic.twitter.com/xSpqAjNViG
In the quarterfinals of the Summit League Tournament, Eaglestaff had a night no one will ever forget, putting up 51 points in an 85-69 upset over 3-seed South Dakota State in the Jackrabbits’ home state. He played a major role in an outstanding second half surge from the Fighting Hawks and scored the most points in a single collegiate game this season at the D1 level.
🚨🚨North Dakota’s Treysen Eaglestaff!!
— Jared Berson (@JaredBerson) March 8, 2025
His 51 points are tied for 4th-most ever in a conference tournament game!
Skip Henderson: 55 in 1988 SoCon
Kevin Houston: 53 in 1987 MAAC
Jimmer: 52 in 2011 MWC
Michael Cutright: 51 in 1989 Southland
Chris Clemons: 51 in 2017 Big South
As a result of that performance, his North Dakota squad advances to the semifinals against a talented St. Thomas team on Saturday night. After what the Fighting Hawks accomplished, it’s fair to say they have a chance against the Tommies, especially if Eaglestaff has another productive game. However, it’s more than just that in this year’s tournament.
Only player in the country to score 40+ twice this season, Treysen Eaglestaff drops 51 (!) to push North Dakota into the Summit League semifinals.
— Lukas Harkins (@hardwiredsports) March 8, 2025
Highest single-game total in the country this season — and in a conference tournament game no less. https://t.co/Xy5FFvxJhB pic.twitter.com/iyNiOGkXie
With North Dakota State, South Dakota State, and Oral Roberts all eliminated in recent days, the Summit League is going to crown a new champion that we haven’t seen in some time. None of the four remaining teams in the field have ever won this tournament. Top-seed Omaha has never reached the Big Dance while St. Thomas is ineligible due to their transition to D1.
North Dakota’s only appearance in the NCAA Tournament came eight years as champions of the Big Sky and Eaglestaff has this team hungry to make new history. Whether or not this team can handle the talent from St. Thomas and either Omaha or South Dakota is yet to be seen, but when the league’s best scorer is shooting like that, anything could be possible for these Fighting Hawks.