Dickinson  (VCSU)  – The VCSU men’s basketball team opened the conference season on the road Sat night, dropping the NSAA opener at Dickinson State Univ.

The Vikings had an off night shooting the ball as they shot just 37 percent from the field in the 83-61 loss. Valley City State drops to 1-10 overall and 0-1 in conference play. Dickinson State improves to 3-8 overall and 1-0 in the conference.

VCSU is back in action at home Monday night, hosting Oak Hills Christian College for a 7 p.m. game.

On Saturday, Dickinson State built a 37-26 lead at the half and then outscored VCSU 46-35 in the second half. Logan Nelson and Kevin Schramm each scored 11 points to lead the Vikings, who were shorthanded with a couple players missing the game due to sickness. Connor Entzi added nine points and five rebounds, while Austin Lee scored eight points and Michael Cornelious had seven points and seven rebounds.

The Vikings shot 37 percent from the field (23-62), 31 percent on 3’s (5-16) and 63 percent at the line (10-16). Dickinson State took advantage of its home rims, shooting 52 percent overall (35-67) and 41 percent on 3’s (11-27).

Montel Carlow led the Blue Hawks with 23 points and five 3-pointers.

Up next: Valley City State is back home Monday night, hosting Oak Hills Christian College at 7 p.m.