Sagan Osborne – Dickinson State Sports and Marketing Information Director
Dickinson, N.D. – Dickinson State fell to No. 8 Dakota State 93-74 on Saturday at Scott Gymnasium, despite a career-high performance from Samantha Oase.
The Blue Hawks started strong, leading 15-12 after the first quarter. Oase set the tone early, dominating in the paint with efficient scoring and rebounding. Dickinson State's defense limited Dakota State's perimeter shooting, holding the Trojans to 25% from the field in the opening period.
Dakota State responded in the second quarter, outscoring Dickinson State 24-15 to take a 36-30 lead into halftime. The Blue Hawks struggled from beyond the arc, shooting just 11.1% for the game, while the Trojans took advantage of transition opportunities. Oase continued her strong play, finishing the half with 17 points.
The Trojans pulled away in the third quarter, using a balanced offensive attack to put up 26 points in the period. Dickinson State kept pace early, with Oase and Anhelica Shanrock making key baskets, but defensive breakdowns allowed Dakota State to build a double-digit lead. The Blue Hawks' free throw struggles also proved costly, as they shot just 55% from the line.
Dickinson State attempted to rally in the fourth, cutting the deficit to single digits briefly, but Dakota State closed the game on a 10-2 run. The Trojans shot 68.8% in the final quarter and finished with five players scoring in double figures.
Oase led all scorers with a career-high 35 points while grabbing 10 rebounds. Katherine Fox added 12 points, and Shanrock chipped in 10. Dickinson State outrebounded Dakota State 43-41 but committed 17 turnovers that led to 23 points for the Trojans.
Lilli Mackley paced Dakota State with 17 points, while Angela Slattery and Cierra Watkins each scored 15. The Trojans improved to 22-4 overall and 14-1 in the NSAA, while Dickinson State dropped to 8-17 and 3-12 in conference play.