UND vs Omaha 2/5/2026 7PM

[sioux24/7]

UND is coming off one of the biggest wins in recent memory, going into St. Thomas and snapping the nation’s longest home win streak at 28 games. Even crazier, UND was the last team to beat them at home before the streak started and then ended it last Thursday. Huge win and a massive confidence boost.

Unfortunately, it came with a cost. Garrett Anderson went down in that game, and it really felt like he was just starting to hit his stride. The early word sounds like there is some good news and that he should be back later this season, but he will not be available Thursday.

Now UND (KenPom 272) turns its attention to last year’s Summit League champion, Omaha (KenPom 255).

Historically, this has not been a friendly matchup for UND. Since 2008, UND has won just 4 of 22 meetings and has lost four straight to the Mavericks. A lot of fans will still remember the 2023-24 Summit League Tournament loss where that UND team with Omot, Eaglestaff, Ihenacho, Amar and others let one slip away. Frankie Fidler was a problem that night.

This year’s Omaha team took some time to find its footing but may be rounding into form. They have won three straight over Kansas City, South Dakota State, and Denver. They are 5-4 in league play with losses to Kansas City (KC’s lone Division I win), SDSU, NDSU, and USD. UND dropped the road meeting in Omaha 90-79.

Their best player is #11 Paul Djobet, who became eligible late in non conference play and has been excellent. He is averaging 20 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. Once the ball hits his hands it tends to stick, which can be frustrating to watch, but there is no denying the talent.

Beyond him, #32 Tony Osburn always seems to hurt UND. He dropped 27 in the January matchup and is averaging 13.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. #7 Lance Waddles, the NDSU transfer, is another guy who can get hot quickly and is averaging 13.3 points and 5 rebounds.

UND really needs to protect home court here. The final seven games are brutal, with two against NDSU and road trips to SDSU and USD still looming. This feels like a swing game for where UND ends up in the standings.

KenPom projects UND to pull this one out 76-75 in what should be a grinder.

Please get to The Betty on Thursday and help create a tough environment. If you cannot make it, the game will be on the Summit League Network as usual.

[GoodGood]

Omaha is a talented but flawed roster. They tried the Tony O at PG experiment and that failed (just like our Treysen Eaglestaff at PG experiment failed). And they really miss having Ondekane in the middle. He’s what I’m sure the staff hoped Josh Jones could turn into  

[forksandspoons]

The UND football team right behind the Omaha bench would be awesome..