Preview: North Dakota Fighting Hawks at Denver Pioneers DENVER (Interstat) — The Denver Pioneers look to build momentum from a strong offensive performance when they host the North Dakota Fighting Hawks in a Summit League women’s basketball matchup on New Year’s Day at Magness Arena. Tipoff is set for Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, as both teams open their conference schedules. Denver (6-7) enters on a two-game winning streak, most recently defeating California Baptist 76-71 on Dec. 19 behind a career-high 32 points from junior guard Coryn Watts. North Dakota (3-10) snapped a five-game skid with a 65-46 home win over Dickinson State on Dec. 20. Watts has been the catalyst for the Pioneers, averaging 20.7 points over her last six games. Her scoring outburst against California Baptist, which included five assists and four rebounds, highlighted her ability to carry the offensive load. Forward Laia Monclova provides a consistent interior presence, adding 17 points and eight rebounds in the same victory. The Fighting Hawks, who have struggled against Division I competition this season, will rely on forward Walker Demers. She led the team with 15 points in the win over Dickinson State and has been a key contributor in recent victories. However, North Dakota has faced significant challenges against higher-caliber opponents, including lopsided losses to Montana State (99-57) and Western Kentucky (80-50) this month. Denver’s non-conference schedule featured mixed results, with impressive wins offset by blowout losses to power-conference foe Kansas (77-38) and Idaho (84-54). The Pioneers’ success has largely hinged on their offensive output, posting a 5-0 record when scoring 65 or more points. Historically, road games have been difficult for North Dakota, which is 1-6 away from home this season. Defensive consistency will be a primary concern for the Fighting Hawks against a Denver team averaging 73.2 points in its victories. This game marks the first of two regular-season meetings between the teams, with the rematch scheduled for Jan. 31 in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The winner will gain an early advantage in the Summit League standings as both programs seek to improve upon their non-conference records. Denver aims to move above .500, while North Dakota hopes to secure a rare road victory against a conference opponent.