Sagan Osborne | Dickinson State Sports Information Director
DICKINSON – Lindsay Peterson scored a game-high 22 points and the Blue Hawks started the game on a 17-1 run to take down Bellevue University, 78-70, in Scott Gym on Saturday afternoon.
With the win, the Blue Hawks now control their own destiny in the North Star Athletic Association standings, as they sit just one game behind Valley City State for fourth place with a game against the Vikings at home next Thursday.
Needing a win to keep their top-four hopes alive, Dickinson State raced out to a huge early lead, not allowing a Bellevue made field goal until seven minutes had elapsed. At that point the Blue Hawks held a 17-3 lead and took a 20-9 lead into the quarter break.
In the second quarter, the Bruins were able to cut into the deficit, outscoring the Blue Hawks 21-16 and entering the halftime break trailing 40-33. Dickinson State responded with a strong third quarter to build to their lead and head to the fourth quarter in position to earn the victory.
Bellevue continued to chip away in the fourth quarter, but some big shots by Peterson down the stretch kept the Bruins at bay and DSU held on for the eight-point victory.
"I was very proud of our effort tonight," said head coach Eric Nelson. "We started the game quick and got out to a lead in the first quarter and held on the rest of the game. We had three different players in double figures which really helped. It was a great home win that sets up a big game at home against Valley City State on Thursday."
Samantha Oase had 14 points and 8 rebounds, while McKenzie Johnson chipped in 11 points to round out the double-digit scorers for DSU. Jenna Jacobson knocked down two key three-pointers to spark the early run and finished with 8 points on 3-6 shooting. As a team the Blue Hawks shot 27-55 (49 percent) from the field in one of their best shooting performances of the year. It couldn't have come at a better time for DSU who also outrebounded the Bruins 37-34.
WHATS NEXT
The Blue Hawks will take on Valley City State in a game with huge playoff implications next Thursday in Scott Gym.