UC Irvine edges North Dakota State 74-73 in Sun Bowl thriller and Kyle Evans’ 24-point performance was just the beginning

UC Irvine basketball pulled off a thrilling one-point victory over North Dakota State in the Sun Bowl Invitational on December 21, 2025. The Anteaters edged the Bison 74-73 in a closely contested matchup in El Paso, with Kyle Evans delivering a dominant performance when it mattered most.

Kyle Evans Puts on Shooting Clinic

Kyle Evans was virtually unstoppable for the Anteaters, showcasing exceptional marksmanship that defined the victory.

The forward made 11 of his 12 field goal attempts, demonstrating the kind of efficiency necessary to win in tournament play. Beyond his scoring prowess, Evans also contributed 9 rebounds, providing muscle on the boards when UC Irvine needed it most. His two-way impact proved crucial in the narrow victory over a resilient North Dakota State squad.

First Half Edge Holds; Second Half Thriller

UC Irvine came out strong, building a 40-33 halftime lead and establishing momentum early in the matchup.

However, North Dakota State surged back in the second half, outscoring the Anteaters 40-34 in the final twenty minutes. The Bison nearly completed the comeback, making it a one-point contest down the stretch. UC Irvine’s balanced approach proved slightly more effective when both teams traded baskets in the final moments. Both squads shot well overall, with UC Irvine connecting on 50% of their attempts while North Dakota State shot 47% from the field.

Key Contributors on Both Benches

Tama Isaac provided crucial ball-handling for UC Irvine, dishing out 6 assists while adding 6 points to the effort, showing his value as a facilitator.

North Dakota State’s Markhi Strickland led the Bison with 14 points, while Damari Wheeler-Thomas contributed 14 points and 5 assists, keeping the game competitive throughout. Despite strong individual performances, North Dakota State struggled with turnovers, committing 19 compared to UC Irvine’s 11, a critical difference in such a tight contest.

“Evans scores 24 and grabs 9 rebounds as UC Irvine beats North Dakota State.”

Fox Sports, Official Game Coverage

What’s Next for Both Programs?

UC Irvine moves forward in the Sun Bowl Invitational tournament with momentum on their side, improving to 8-5 overall with a perfect 2-0 record in Big West Conference play.

The Anteaters will face their next opponent in the tournament bracket, looking to build on the confidence established by this victory. For North Dakota State, the Bison must regroup quickly despite the narrow loss. The Summit League squad will get their championship opportunity if they advance through the consolation bracket or find redemption elsewhere.

Sources

• ESPN – Live game coverage and official box score data
• FOX Sports – Game recap and statistical analysis
• UC Irvine Athletics – Official team records and player information

Michael Brown

Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.