VALLEY CITY – VCSU men’s basketball was defeated by Dakota Wesleyan University 72-56. The Vikings are now 6-2 on the season. Dakota Wesleyan moves to 5-2 on the year. These two teams split the season series 1-1 against each other. Both teams lost at home in their matchups.
 
The first half featured a heavily defensive matchup between the Vikings and Tigers. Both teams struggled to get things going on offense. The first half ended with a three made by Randy Rosenquist Jr. of DWU to give them a 30-29 lead going into the half.
 
During the first half there were ten ties, eight lead changes, four for each team and the largest lead at any point was three for either team. VCSU shot 11/28 from the field, 3/12 from the three-point line, and 4/6 from the free throw line. DWU shot 10/24 from the field, 2/6 from the three-point line, and 8/11 from the free throw line.
 
To start the second half both teams when shot for shot with each other creating six lead changes in the first four minutes of the half. After a two-pointer made by Samuel Aslesen the Tiger took a lead with 16:24 remaining that they would hold for the remainder of the game. After getting up seven points with a score of 44-37, the Vikings narrowed the gap to 44-42 however they were unable to even up the score. A few plays later the Vikings got within three at 51-48 with 8:33 on the clock. From there the Tigers outscored the Vikings 21-8 down the stretch to close out the game.
 
As a team the Vikings shot 23/52 from the field, 6/19 from the three-point line, and 4-6 from the free throw line. VCSU point leaders were Tyrel Creger and Odier Olange each with 11. Jayden Patcha led in rebounds with 7 and Caden Grinde led in assists with 3.
 
DWU shot 25/53 from the field, 7/16 from the three-point line, and 15/22 from the free throw line. DWU point leader was Samuel Aslesen with 17. Blaze Lubbers led in rebounds with 9 and Randy Rosenquist Jr. led in assists with 4.
 
UP NEXT: The Vikings travel to the Dickinson State Thanksgiving Classic where they will face Montana State University Northern and Rocky Mountain College on Friday and Saturday next week.