Blue Hawks drop Milanovich Classic opener to Rocky Mountain

Sagan Osborne – Dickinson State Sports & Marketing Information Director

Dickinson, N.D. - Dickinson State fell short against RV Rocky Mountain College in a competitive matchup at the Coca-Cola Sam Milanovich Classic, losing 86-79.

The game opened with an intense back-and-forth as both teams traded early leads. Dickinson State surged ahead with sharp three-point shooting and fast-break opportunities, building a 43-41 halftime advantage. Guard Aidan Fishell led the first-half charge, contributing 22 points on 9-of-12 shooting, including two three-pointers. The Blue Hawks moved the ball well, generating open looks and forcing nine turnovers from the Battlin' Bears.

Rocky Mountain responded with a decisive second-half effort, anchored by forward Royce Robinson, who tallied 17 points and a game-high 12 rebounds. The Battlin' Bears found success in the paint, scoring 34 points inside and capitalizing on second-chance opportunities. Robinson and Jaylon Lee combined for 32 points, consistently converting in the lane and off offensive rebounds. Rocky Mountain outrebounded Dickinson State 51-39, creating critical extra possessions that shifted momentum.

Carter McCoy and Omari Nesbit provided crucial support, with McCoy grabbing 11 rebounds and scoring 14 points, including 8-of-9 from the free-throw line. Nesbit's energy off the bench resulted in 16 points and two three-pointers, helping the Battlin' Bears open up a lead heading into the closing stretch.

Dickinson State's resilience kept the game within reach. Jaiden Wright and John Evans each stepped up with key baskets, while Cordell Stinson's inside presence sparked a late rally. Wright finished with eight points, including two three-pointers, and Evans added 15 points and five rebounds. The Blue Hawks' bench outscored Rocky Mountain's reserves 40-21, highlighting their depth.

Despite the comeback, missed opportunities proved costly for Dickinson State. The Blue Hawks shot just 37.5 percent from the field and 22.9 percent from three-point range, struggling to convert open looks in critical stretches. Rocky Mountain's disciplined defense forced contested shots and limited second-chance points, holding Dickinson State to 10 points on offensive rebounds.

Rocky Mountain sealed the win in the final minutes with clutch free-throw shooting, converting 23-of-31 attempts for a 74.2 percent mark. In contrast, Dickinson State hit 17-of-22 from the stripe, finishing at 77.3 percent. The Battlin' Bears displayed poise under pressure, with Nesbit and Lee combining for pivotal baskets to keep the Blue Hawks at bay.