DSU Basketball Swept In Conference Double-Header

The Dakota State Basketball teams found themselves on the short end of the stick Saturday in a double-header versus the Bellevue Bruins. Both schools were opening up NSAA play for the season.

In the Women’s game, Bellevue used a hot run to begin the third quarter on their way to an 80-70. Dakota State held a slim 33-30 halftime lead, as both teams got off to a slow start offensively in the contest. The Bruins came out and scored on their first six possessions of the second half, part of a 16-2 run, to get a double digit lead. The Trojans battled back within 5 points in the third and came within four points twice in the fourth, including at 72-68 with 1:37 left. Free throws down the stretch iced the game for Bellevue in their 10 point win. 

Morgan Koepsell had a big game for DSU, finishing with 26 points on 10 of 14 shooting, Ashyln Macdonald nearly had a double double with 12 points and nine rebounds and Dakota State came up with 17 offensive rebounds in the contest. DSU sits at 2-6 on the season and 0-1 in conference play and will be back in action on Wednesday evening versus Dakota Wesleyan, a game you can catch on FM103 and amazingmadison.com

The Men’s Game was a tale of two halves. The Trojans shot 33 percent in the first half and trailed 34-21 at the break. Bellevue was clicking with a 61 percent field goal and a balanced offense. The defense stepped up big in the second half and the Trojans pulled within one, at 43-42, with just over 11 minutes left. Unfortunately, DSU was unable to get over the top and ended up dropping the game 67-63. The Trojans pulled within one point late in the contest after a Brady Van Holland three but Bruins’ free throws and a late turnover doomed DSU. 

Josh McGreal and Gare Ewefada each poured in 14 points to pace DSU, who shot a sizzling 70 percent in the second half. Free throws were a huge difference, Bellevue was 15 of 19 while Dakota State was just 11 of 20. Coach Garner mentioned that the second half of the game was their best half of  the season, especially on the defensive side. DSU Men will have a light hiatus, returning to action on the 18th at Morningside.