Coach Garner Wins Final Game at DSU Fieldhouse

In Head Coach Gary Garner’s final game at the DSU Fieldhouse, the Dakota State Trojans men’s basketball team earned a 69-59 victory over the Bellevue Bruins.

The game started off with both teams exchanging leads early, before Bellevue started to put together a run and gained the momentum. Despite the Bruins success throughout the first half, the Trojans were able to bring the game back within three, as they trailed 30-27 at halftime.

Coming out of the break, the second half stayed similar to the first half. Both teams continued to exchange leads early, but in the second half it was the Trojans who had the momentum and started to gain the big lead. 

In the first half the Trojans struggled shooting the ball, but they picked it up in the second half as they were able to shoot over 60% in the second half on their way to outscoring the Bruins 42-29 in the half. 

DSU had three players score double-digit points in the second half, with Ronnie Latting scoring 12, while Chris Morales and Sam Muller each had ten points in the half. Their big contributions in the second half helped the Trojans get the 69-59 home victory over the Bruins. 

With the win, the Trojans improved to 12-16 overall and 6-8 in NSAA play. Meanwhile, the Bruins fell to 15-13 and 7-7 in NSAA.

Latting led the Trojans with a game leading 18 points, while also coming down with five rebounds and one block. Morales ended the night with 12 points, four rebounds, and six assists, while Muller added 14 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals. 

Vinny Belcaster led Bellevue tied with a game-leading 18 points. 

The Trojans will next travel to Dickinson State for the opening round of the NSAA Tournament on Tuesday, February 21 at 8pm.