Game Preview: “Battle of the Blues” – Trojans Look for Revenge & Sixth Straight Win
The Men’s Basketball team will host a “Battle of the Blues” on the back end of a doubleheader against Dakota Wesleyan at the DSU Fieldhouse.
These teams have already seen one another this season in the Trojans second game and the Tigers debut game. Where the Tigers won 82-67 on the road at Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD. DSU was still getting a feel for themselves in just their second game as a brand new unit, including the coaching staff. Now riding a five game winning streak, the longest since 2015-2016.
Dakota Wesleyan
The Tigers are currently 3-0 overall and are scoring 80.3 points per game. They’re led in scoring by freshman guard Randy Rosenquist Jr who has 17.3 points per game. Followed by a pair of Tigers who average 14.6 points – those being junior guards Jakob Dobney and Kallan Herman.
Their offense isn’t as efficient as the Trojans, only leading in the free throw percentage department. Similar to DSU, the Tigers shoot a lot of threes. They hoist up 31 threes per game, compared to the Trojans 25.
They have a fair amount of length on their team, maybe more than DSU even. Junior forward Samuel Asleesen is averaging four blocks per game. Asleesen the second tallest player on the team at a whopping 6’7” and a dominant rim protector.
Dakota State
The Trojans are now riding a five game winning streak, the longest since 2015-2016. With a pair of those being at the DSU Fieldhouse. DSU will send out a mostly different starting unit compared to the last time these two teams faced off. With some players out due to injury.
Mison Coilton leads in the scoring department for the Trojans with 12.9 points per game. DSU has three players averaging double figures – including Kenny Haynes off the bench with 10.5 points and Ethan Slaathaug adding 10.3 points. After starting the first seven games, Slaathaug will come off the bench again for this game, joining Haynes.
Defensively the Trojans run a 2-3 zone defense and they stick to it firmly. It had its moments in the early part of the season, like against DWU, where it didn’t work out too well. For the most part though, they’ve had success with it. Opposing offenses are shooting just 27.3% from beyond the arc against the Trojans. DSU has been able to contain the three point barrages that may come with running the 2-3 zone defense. The Trojans haven’t beaten DWU since Jan. 2, 2017 and will need to break that streak to continue their winning ways.
Tipoff is set for 7:30pm with pregame at approximately 7:15pm on Jammin Country 103!
