Sagan Osborne – Dickinson State Sports & Marketing Information Director
Dickinson, N.D. - Dickinson State capitalized on a dominant first half to secure an 86-72 victory over Midland on Thursday evening in Scott Gym. The Blue Hawks improved to 6-5 on the season behind a balanced offensive attack and a staunch rebounding effort.
Dickinson State surged to an early lead, fueled by efficient shooting and defensive stops. The Blue Hawks shot 51.5% from the field in the first half, including 36.8% from beyond the arc, while limiting the Warriors to 38.2% shooting. The result was a commanding 44-31 halftime advantage.
Forward Kose Egbule led the charge for the Blue Hawks, recording 17 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. Egbule's inside presence set the tone early, and Dickinson State outpaced Midland with 40 bench points compared to Midland's 13.
Guard Jake Daniel provided a spark off the bench, scoring 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting from three-point range.
The Blue Hawks excelled at sharing the ball, finishing with 16 assists to Midland's five. Trey Stevens contributed 14 points and six rebounds, hitting critical three-pointers to keep the Warriors at bay during their second-half push.
Despite trailing by as many as 17 points, Midland attempted a rally in the second half, led by forward Jeff Rozelle III's 17 points and nine rebounds. Trey McCain added 19 points on 8-of-15 shooting, but Midland's lack of perimeter success—just 2-of-10 from three-point range—limited their comeback effort.
"It's awesome heading into Christmas break with a win," said head coach Derek Selvig after the game. "Our guys have been battling and buying in to what we want to do. It's a total team effort with this group. We are starting to see improvement on both sides of the ball. Midland is a great team and very well coached, they took us out of some of our actions but we found some poise and pulled it out."
Dickinson State's defense, particularly in the paint, proved pivotal. John Evans, the two-time North Star Athletic Assocation Defensive Player of the Week, continued to be a force down low with three more blocks, and the Blue Hawks secured a 42-35 edge in rebounding.
In the closing minutes, Egbule and Stevens sealed the victory at the free-throw line while the defense forced Midland into contested shots.