Sagan Osborne – Dickinson State Sports and Marketing Information Director
Sioux Center, Iowa – Dordt controlled the pace from the start and eliminated Dickinson State in the first round of the NAIA Men's Basketball National Tournament with a 90-58 win Friday at De Witt Gym in Sioux Center, Iowa.
The Blue Hawks struggled offensively, shooting 36.7 percent from the field and 28.6 percent from the free-throw line. Dordt capitalized on Dickinson State's shooting woes, maintaining a double-digit lead for most of the game while controlling the rebounding battle and converting turnovers into points.
Trey Stevens led Dickinson State with 19 points, knocking down five three-pointers. John Evans added 15 points, including three three-pointers, while Cordell Stinson finished with six points and six rebounds. The Blue Hawks managed just 10 assists while committing 15 turnovers, limiting their offensive rhythm against Dordt's defense.
Dordt's balanced attack was led by Lucas Lorenzen, who recorded 24 points and 11 rebounds on 9-for-15 shooting. Connor Millikan added 22 points on 7-for-10 shooting, including three three-pointers, and Jake Hargens contributed 17 points off the bench. Bryce Coppock and Luke Rankin combined for 17 points, with Rankin dishing out five assists. The Defenders shot 47.9 percent from the field and held a 48-35 rebounding advantage, including an 8-5 edge on the offensive glass.
Dordt set the tone early, using a strong start from Millikan and Lorenzen to build a lead. Millikan knocked down a three-pointer on the opening possession, and after a quick three-pointer from Evans tied the game, the Defenders responded with an 8-0 run. Dickinson State had difficulty finding open shots, missing seven of its first 10 attempts, while Dordt took advantage with transition baskets and second-chance opportunities.
The Blue Hawks kept within striking distance thanks to Stevens, who hit three first-half three-pointers, but struggled to generate consistent offensive production. Dordt's defense forced contested shots and limited Dickinson State's ability to attack the paint. A three-pointer by Lorenzen extended the Defenders' lead to 11 midway through the first half, and Millikan added another deep shot to push the margin to 14.
Dickinson State trailed 41-29 at halftime after shooting 37.9 percent in the opening 20 minutes. Dordt hit 62.5 percent from three-point range in the first half and controlled the pace by limiting the Blue Hawks' transition opportunities.
The Blue Hawks cut the deficit to single digits early in the second half when Evans connected on a three-pointer, but Dordt responded with a 14-5 run to extend the lead to 19. The Defenders continued to dominate the interior, outscoring Dickinson State 22-6 in points in the paint. Hargens provided a spark off the bench with consecutive baskets in the post, and a transition three-pointer from Millikan stretched the lead to 21.
Dickinson State attempted to rally behind Stevens and Evans, who combined for four three-pointers in the second half, but free-throw struggles prevented any significant momentum shift. The Blue Hawks shot just 4-for-14 from the line, missing key opportunities to chip away at the deficit.
Dordt continued to extend its lead in the final 10 minutes, using a 10-2 run capped by a fast-break layup from Rankin to go ahead by 30. The Defenders' depth played a key role, as their bench outscored Dickinson State's reserves 24-12. Dordt also held a 6-0 advantage in second-chance points, capitalizing on their offensive rebounds.
With five minutes remaining, the Defenders maintained firm control, closing out the game with a 9-4 run. Dickinson State struggled to generate open looks in the closing minutes, shooting just 35.5 percent in the second half. The Blue Hawks committed eight turnovers in the second half while Dordt limited its mistakes with only four giveaways.
Dordt finished the game shooting 50 percent from three-point range and 83.3 percent from the free-throw line, a stark contrast to Dickinson State's 33.3 percent three-point shooting and 28.6 percent free-throw percentage. The Blue Hawks never led in the game and had just one tie, which came at 3-3 in the opening minutes.
Dickinson State's season ends at 19-12 after reaching the NAIA National Tournament. The Blue Hawks will look to regroup in the offseason, while Dordt advances to the second round with a 28-3 record.