Sagan Osborne – Dickinson State Sports & Marketing Information Director
Billings, Mont. - Dickinson State fought hard but ultimately fell short in a thrilling overtime game against the University of Providence on Saturday, losing 89-86 at the Fortin Education Center.
Dickinson State (6-6, 1-0) controlled much of the first half, building a 41-30 lead by halftime. The Blue Hawks shot 46.9% from the field in the opening half, fueled by efficient performances from Trey Stevens, who hit three three-pointers, and John Evans, who added seven points and five rebounds. The Blue Hawks' defense also held the Argos (5-7) to just 33.3% shooting in the first 20 minutes.
Providence surged back in the second half, outscoring Dickinson State 36-25 to force overtime. Jamil Bowles and Antoine Boyd Jr. led the charge for the Argos, combining for 30 second-half points. The Blue Hawks struggled offensively, shooting just 28% in the second half, while Bowles controlled the paint with eight rebounds and 17 points after halftime.
Kose Egbule scored 10 points in the extra session, including a perfect 6-for-7 from the free-throw line, and Evans added eight points. However, the Argos capitalized on crucial possessions, with Dylan Hushaw hitting two key three-pointers and Boyd converting five free throws to secure the win.
Egbule led the Blue Hawks with 22 points and four rebounds, converting 13 of 17 free-throw attempts. Evans finished with 23 points and 12 rebounds, recording a double-double while playing 39 minutes. Stevens contributed 11 points and Cordell Stinson added a strong presence off the bench, tallying 12 points and 11 rebounds in 29 minutes.
Overall, the Blue Hawks shot 38.2% from the field and 35.5% from three-point range but were outscored in the paint, 42-26. Despite committing only 11 turnovers, Dickinson State's inability to contain Bowles, who finished with 27 points and 14 rebounds, proved costly.
Providence's bench also outperformed Dickinson State's reserves, scoring 23 points to the Blue Hawks' 20. The Argos finished the game shooting 40.5% from the field and 25% from beyond the arc but converted key free throws in the final moments to ice the game.