Sagan Osborne – Dickinson State Sports and Marketing Information Director
Dickinson, N.D. – Dickinson State secured the outright North Star Athletic Association regular-season championship with a 76-60 victory over Dakota State on Saturday at Scott Gymnasium. The Blue Hawks improved to 17-10 overall and 12-3 in conference play, earning the No. 1 seed and a bye into the NSAA tournament semifinals, which they will host on March 1.
Dickinson State controlled the game from the opening tip, building a 39-26 halftime lead behind efficient shooting and defensive pressure. The Blue Hawks finished the game shooting 46.6% from the field and 48.0% from three-point range while limiting Dakota State to 38.3% shooting and just 19.2% from beyond the arc.
Kose Egbule led Dickinson State with 17 points and six rebounds, going 7-of-10 from the free-throw line. Aidan Fishell added 15 points, connecting on 3-of-4 from three-point range. John Evans contributed 13 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Jake Daniel provided a spark off the bench, finishing with nine points on a perfect 3-of-3 from deep.
The Blue Hawks' defensive effort forced 12 turnovers and held Dakota State's perimeter shooting in check. Dickinson State also moved the ball effectively, recording 17 assists on 27 made field goals.
Dakota State (11-16, 4-11 NSAA) struggled to find offensive rhythm, shooting 19.2% from three-point range and 50.0% from the free-throw line. Tyler Beckwith led the Trojans with 11 points and six rebounds. Lukas Morgan scored 14 points on 6-of-11 shooting, while Aiden Jensen added nine points.
Dickinson State's bench outscored Dakota State's reserves 35-32, and the Blue Hawks capitalized on turnovers, scoring 19 points off Dakota State's miscues.
With the victory, Dickinson State secured home-court advantage in the NSAA semifinals and will prepare for its tournament matchup on March 1.