Trojans & Lions Set to Faceoff: Game Preview – Dakota State vs Trinity Bible
The Trojans Men’s Basketball team (8-3 overall) returns to the floor tonight when they host Trinity Bible (N.D.) in the DSU Fieldhouse.
Dakota State is currently on an eight game winning streak. Ever since their first win, they haven’t looked back. They’re currently having their best start in 11 years. They went 9-2 to begin their 2012-2013 season. The Trojans will be taking on a Trinity Bible team in which they defeated last season, 90-66 on the road. DSU has scored at least 85 points in the last three meetings with the Lions.
The closest the Lions have gotten to defeating Dakota State came a few seasons ago in the 2020-2021 season. The Trojans squeaked out the win, 79-77. They remain unbeaten by Trinity Bible with a commanding 12-0 all-time record against the Lions.
Trinity Bible
Trinity Bible comes into this game 4-2 overall and looking to right the ship against the Trojans. They’re led by a dynamic scorer in Marcellus Mencarini who averages 25.2 points per game on 43.6% from the field. A scorer with the ability to stretch the floor and will let it fly if you give him enough room. Along with his scoring, he also reels in the rebounds with seven per game.
The Lions are led by head coach Jordan Nowell, in his 17th season at the helm. Nowell is the reigning NIAC Coach of the Year. His sixth time receiving the honor.
Dakota State
The Trojans are led in scoring by freshman Brayden Pankonen  at 11.9 points per game. All while shooting above 44% from the field and from three. Alongside him, is junior Mison Coilton with 11.4 points per game. Shooting 47% from the field and 42% from deep.
As a team, the Trojans are scoring 77.5 points per game, which ranks fourth among North Star Athletic Association teams. They’re also third in points allowed, limiting opponents to 72.3 points per game. DSU also leads the North Star with 96 3-pointers made in 11 games.
According to NAIA-Presto Stats as of Sunday, senior Uhana Ochan and junior Emmanuel Akpan both rank among the Top 10 rebounders in the NSAA. Akpan sits in third with an average of 9.3 rebounds per game and Ochan is eighth with 7.1 rebounds per game.
Tonight’s game will begin at 7pm with a pregame at 6:45pm on Jammin Country 103.
