Sagan Osborne – Dickinson State Sports & Marketing Information Director
Dickinson, N.D. - Dickinson State University faced a tough challenge against No. 6-ranked Dakota State University on Friday evening, falling 87-51 in a North Star Athletic Association matchup at Scott Gymnasium. Despite a valiant effort, the Blue Hawks were unable to overcome Dakota State's efficient offense and dominance on the boards.
Dakota State (12-3, 4-0 NSAA) took control early, outscoring Dickinson State 25-13 in the first quarter. The Trojans shot 50% from the field in the opening frame, with Tabor Teel and Angela Slattery combining for 14 points. Dickinson State (5-10, 0-4 NSAA) managed to keep pace early, with Anhelica Shanrock hitting a three-pointer and Samantha Oase adding five points, but turnovers and second-chance opportunities allowed Dakota State to build a lead.
The second quarter proved challenging for the Blue Hawks, as they were outscored 20-8. Dakota State's defense stifled Dickinson State, holding the Blue Hawks to 26.7% shooting in the period. Lilli Mackley led the Trojans with seven points in the quarter, including a three-pointer, while Dakota State extended their lead to 45-21 at halftime.
In the third quarter, Dickinson State fought back with more consistent offense, scoring 14 points. Oase continued to lead the Blue Hawks, finishing with 12 points and five rebounds. Shanrock added another three-pointer, and Katherine Fox contributed a mid-range jumper. However, the Trojans maintained their advantage, shooting 50% from the field and taking a 66-35 lead into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter saw Dakota State close out the game with a balanced attack. Mackley and Teel each scored five points in the period, while the Trojans' bench added to their dominance with 27 total points in the game. The Blue Hawks showed resilience, with Tinley Pierson and Brae Eneboe adding baskets late, but it wasn't enough to narrow the gap.
Overall, Dickinson State shot 35.5% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc, compared to Dakota State's 47.8% and 32.1%, respectively. The Trojans held a decisive 46-34 rebounding advantage and outscored the Blue Hawks 42-20 in the paint.
Dakota State's Tabor Teel led all scorers with 18 points and seven rebounds, while Angela Slattery and Lilli Mackley contributed 14 and 15 points, respectively. Dickinson State was led by Oase's 12 points and Shanrock's eight, but the team struggled to find consistent scoring against the Trojans' tough defense.