Trojans Going for Back-to-Back Conference Wins: Game Preview – #13 Dakota State vs Valley City State
The #13 Trojan Women’s Basketball team (13-4 overall, 1-0 NSAA) are in North Dakota for the weekend with a pair of games and start things off against Valley City State.
These two teams saw each other earlier in the season back on Nov. 17 and the Trojans came out on top 92-58. History between the two teams is a strange one, but one that has been in favor of Dakota State in the David Moe era. DSU hasn’t lost since Moe’s third season at the helm all the way back on Jan. 10, 2020.
Valley City State
Valley City State (6-8 overall) has had its struggles this season, but like many teams in sports, they play their best at home. The team has six wins on the year (one being a forfeit) and four of them are at home.
The Vikings are led in scoring by their lone double-digit scorer, junior Ashlyn Dienert. She leads with 11.8 points per game. Dienert has a lot on her shoulders and often has the ball in her hands. In turn, it’s also caused her to lead her team in turnovers as well at 2.9 per game.
They struggle defensively and their defense is not one whose defensive turns to offense. They allow opponents 72.7 points per game and they shoot 43.1% against the Vikings. This matchup will be the first North Star Athletic Association game for Valley City State this season.
Dakota State
Dakota State is coming off one of, if not the, most impressive defensive outing. They forced Bellevue into 25 turnovers last week and came away with a season-high nine blocks. All while committing a season-low five fouls. No player committed more than one foul or turnover.
The Trojans are led in scoring by Savannah Walsdorf with 15.3 points per game. Walsdorf also leads her team in assists (2.5), 3-pt field goal percentage (38.2%), 3-pointers made (34) and steals (3.1).
DSU is currently on an 11-game win streak against the Vikings. Before the win streak, VCSU had a long win streak of their own – a 12-game win streak. With a win today, the Trojans would tie that streak and even the all-time series between the two teams at 13-13. Valley City State currently leads with a one game advantage.
Tipoff is set for 5:30pm today in Valley City with pregame beginning at 5:15pm on Jammin Country 103.
