Trojans Look to Battle with Viterbo in Quarterfinals of the North Star Athletic Association Tournament: Game Preview – Dakota State vs Viterbo
The Dakota State Men’s Basketball (16-12 overall, 6-6 NSAA) is set to go into the North Star Athletic Association Postseason Tournament to host No. 5 seed Viterbo V-Hawks.
Viterbo
The V-Hawks (12-15 overall, 6-6 NSAA) fell to the Trojans the last time these two teams met at the DSU Fieldhouse. Though these two split the season series 1-1 and beat each other by 22 and 23 on each’s home courts. Though the advantage? It leans towards DSU for being the host of this matchup.
The home team has come away victorious in each meeting this season and both teams are much better on their home floor. DSU has scored 80 or more points in six of their 11 home games.
Viterbo is a very versatile team, but still doesn’t fare well on the road. They are just 3-9 in away games this season. Its offense averaged 72.8 points per game in conference and allowed 77.5 a game. The V-Hawks are 0-2 against the Trojans in the Quarterfinals of the NSAA Tournament.
They have a solid bench unit, as well as their starters. With a very effective scorer off the bench in Cole Crubel who shoots 40% or better from the field and deep. Their leader in scoring is Jack Monis with 16 points per game. Ben Olson also averages double figures at 12.5 per game and Crubel averages 11.7 a game.
Dakota State
The Trojans come into the game seeking their first home postseason victory since 2015-16 when they ran the table and won the NSAA Postseason Title. It’s been a mixed bag of a season for Dakota State, never really standing on solid ground. At least not for long.
DSU has dropped two of their last three home games. Though this Quarterfinal matchup being a doubleheader will prove to be vital for the Trojans to emerge victorious. Not only the home energy, but kicking the old habits that plagued them the second half of conference and some from earlier in the season. It’s win or go home now. The only way to keep playing and see the National Tournament is to claim your first postseason title in eight years.
Mison Coilton leads in scoring with 14.4 points per game and 16.8 a game in conference play. Behind him is Emmanuel Akpan with 10 a game as the only other Trojan in double figures. The V-Hawks own a 12-8 all-time series record. It’s the first time that the Trojans will be hosting Viterbo in the NSAA Quarterfinals. The previous two meetings in the Quarterfinals were both held in La Crosse, Wis.
Tipoff is set for 7:30pm in the DSU Fieldhouse with pregame at approximately 7:15pm following the women’s game.
