VALLEY CITY, ND (NewsDakota.com) The VCSU women missed an opportunity to climb into third place Saturday, dropping a 90-85 matchup with Dickinson State at the W. E. Osmon Fieldhouse in Valley City.
The Viking men turned the tables on the league’s frontrunner, rallying from a 17-point deficit to defeat Dickinson State 66-65.
WOMEN: Dickinson State 90, VCSU 85.
Entering play Saturday, the Vikings had won four straight matchups over teams they were chasing in the North Star Athletic Association, with wins over second place University of Jamestown, a win over first-place Dakota State, and a win over third-place Mayville State.
Saturday saw the Vikings lose their fourth straight to teams chasing the Vikings with a loss to Dickinson State.
The Bluehawks shot 50% from the field and hit 13 three-point shots, continually challenging the Viking defense. Valley City State attempted a late rally, cutting a late deficit to three, but getting no closer.
Valley City State lost the game despite shooting 22-25 from the foul line, making twice the foul shot that Dickinson State attempted. The Bluehawks were 9-11 from the stripe.
Ellie Braaten shined for the second straight night, following up 23 points against the University of Jamestown Friday night with 22 more against the Bluehawks. JayCee Richter finished with 20 points and six rebounds.
Kayden Steele hit five of nine three-point shots and finished with 23 points to lead the Bluehawks to the win.
MEN: VCSU 66, Dickinson State 65
The Vikings fell behind by 17 at 51-34 in the early portion of the second half, quickly cut the lead to eight, and used pressure defense, and Lamar Grayson, to complete the come-from-behind win.
Grayson, one of eight seniors acknowledged on Senior Day, exploded for 18 of his 20 in the second half, including the game-winning basket on a drive to the hoop with under 10 seconds left, leading the Vikings to victory.
After cutting the lead to four, the Vikings called for time out, and employed a half court trap for the remainder of the game. The speed of the game disrupted the Dickinson State offense, with the Hawks missing several good looks in the final few minutes of the game.
After the Vikings cut the lead to one with 37 seconds left, Dickinson State missed a look just underneath the basket, with Viking post Odier Olange grabbing the rebound with 11 seconds to play His outlet pass found Grayson, who drove to the basket, with a spin move and scored the gamewinning basket.
The Bluehawks advanced the ball into the frontcourt on their final possession, but did not get a shot off as the horn blew to end the game.
Tyrel Creger scored 11 points and added six rebounds for the Vikings, and Jayden Patcha added 10 points.
John Evans led the Hawks with 23 points.
The Viking women fell to 5-7 in league play, and remain in fourth place in NSAA play, a game behind the University of Jamestown and two back of Mayville State, who defeated the Jimmies Saturday.
The Viking men improved to 3-9 in league play, a game-and-a-half back of fourth place Bellevue University and Dakota State. The Viking win over the Bluehawks produced a tie for first place in the NSAA, as the Jimmies defeated Mayville State Saturday, allowing the Jimmies to catch Dickinson State for first place.