VALLEY CITY, N.D. (VCSUVikings.com) – The Valley City State women’s basketball team built a 20-point first-half lead and never trailed Saturday afternoon as they rolled to a 78-65 win over Dickinson State University.

The Vikings had a huge first quarter, putting up 25 points as they opened up a 25-11 lead. The Vikings kept it rolling early in the second quarter, starting the period with an 8-2 run to build their biggest lead of the game at 33-13. The Blue Hawks clawed their way back within five points twice in the third quarter, but Valley City State went back up 62-52 to end the quarter and then led by double digits the rest of the way.

Valley City State improves to 10-10 overall and is now 7-2 in the North Star Athletic Association. The Vikings remain tied with Bellevue University and Mayville State University at the top of the conference standings. VCSU will play at Bellevue on Friday night. Dickinson State drops to 10-14 overall and 3-6 in conference play.

Mackenzie Huber had a near double-double to lead the Vikings, posting 18 points and nine rebounds in the game. Alli Vandal shot 7-for-9 from the field as she finished with 15 points and six rebounds. Emily Schafer gave VCSU a spark off the bench with 10 first-half points – including a pair of 3-pointers – and 13 points in the game. Gabby Martin and Dierra Diegel each scored eight, and Alexis Bentz scored six off the bench.

Valley City State shot 49 percent overall (30-61) and 29 percent from beyond the arc (5-17). VCSU was 13-for-22 on free throws.

Dickinson State shot just 40 percent overall (23-57) but went 8-for-19 on 3-pointers. The Blue Hawks were 11-for-21 at the line. Lacey Waid hit three 3-pointers and poured in 21 points to lead Dickinson State.

The Blue Hawks turned it over 22 times compared to 18 turnovers by the Vikings. Valley City State had 14 assists, seven steals and for blocks. Dickinson State finished with nine assists, six steals and one block.

Up next: Valley City State is on the road for a first-place battle at Bellevue University on Friday night. Tip off is set for 5:30 p.m. as part of a women’s and men’s doubleheader. The Vikings will then play at Dakota State on Saturday. Dickinson State has road games at Viterbo and Waldorf next weekend.