Vikings Fall To Trojans On The Road

Posted By: Paul McDonald
January 8, 2021 @ 11:32 pm
Sports

MADISON, S.D. (vcsuvikings.com) – The Valley City State University women’s basketball team started fast Friday night but could not sustain its early lead at Dakota State.

The Vikings jumped out to a 13-6 advantage through the first five minutes of play Friday in Madison, S.D. The Trojans – who are receiving votes in the NAIA Top 25 Poll – rallied back to build a 51-34 halftime led en route to a 90-57 victory over the Vikings.

Valley City State drops to 2-5 overall and 1-1 in conference play. Dakota State improves to 11-3 overall and 3-0 in the North Star Athletic Association.

The Vikings jumped out to an early lead Friday as Maara Nelson scored 10 of VCSU’s 13 points, building a 13-6 advantage with 5:22 remaining in the first quarter. Dakota State responded with a 7-0 run to tie the game at 13-13, and the teams traded baskets throughout the rest of the first quarter with Dakota State holding a 22-21 lead at the end.

Adriana Torres made a 3-pointer early in the second quarter to give the Vikings their final lead of the game at 26-24. Dakota State ended the first half with a 27-8 run, taking a 51-34 advantage into halftime. The Trojans controlled the second half en route to the 90-57 victory.

Nelson finished with 15 points on 7-for-11 shooting to lead the Viking offense. Dani Schwanke made two 3’s and finished with 10 points and five rebounds. Torres added nine points, and Taryn Dieterle chipped in seven points and five rebounds. Both Schwanke and Allie Critchley dished out four assists, and Critchley had a team-high seven rebounds.

VCSU shot 40 percent overall (23-58), 24 percent on 3’s (6-25) and 63 percent at the line (5-8). Dakota State finished at 48 percent from the field (34-71), 38 percent on 3’s (11-29) and 73 percent at the line (11-15).

Dakota State held a 43-32 rebounding advantage, including a 13-5 edge on the offensive glass. VCSU had 15 assists and 17 turnovers. Dakota State finished with 22 assists and 12 turnovers.

Up next: Valley City State travels to Bellevue University for another conference game Saturday at 3 p.m.