The Valley City State University Vikings defeated the Dakota State University Trojans with a final score of 83-79 on December 15, in Madison, S.D. The Vikings rallied from a halftime deficit to force overtime and clinch the win with key contributions from Lamar Grayson, Shaheed Muhammad, Tyrel Creger, and Jayden Patcha.
 
There were a few lead changes early in the first half, but with the store of 11-10 in favor of the Vikings, DaSU’s Calvin Payne hit a two that gave the Trojans a lead that they would hold for the remainder of the first half. Going back and forth, the first half saw the Vikings trailing with a score of 37-31.
 
The Vikings got off to a slow start in the second half, letting the Trojans grow their five-point lead to 13 in the first five minutes. With 16:03 remaining the Vikings trailed by 13 with the score of 46-33.  The Vikings chipped away at the Trojan lead for the next eight minutes. They took their first lead of the half 55-52 from a three by Shaheed Muhammad, with 7:39 remaining.
 
The teams battled down the stretch where neither team led by more than two inside of the last two minutes. The Trojans Colby Dillenbeck made two clutch free throws with 18 seconds remaining giving the Trojans a 69-67 lead. In what appeared to be the last possession of the game the Vikings Tyrel Creger missed a 2-point attempt with five seconds remaining. Feeling the Viking pressure on the rebound DaSU tipped the ball out of bounds giving the Vikings one more play with two seconds on the clock. Inbounded by Shaheed Muhammed, he found a cutting Lamar Grayson who drilled a clutch fade away jumper to tie the game and force overtime.
 
In overtime both teams took fouls sending each other to the line however the Vikings got the better of those attempts taking the game 83-79.
 
The Vikings were led by Shaheed Muhammad, Tyrel Creger, and Jayden Patcha were instrumental, scoring 18, 17, and 17 points respectively. Creger also contributed significantly with 17 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds, showcasing his all-around game generating the team’s first double-double of the season. Caden Grinde and Lamar Grayson added to the tally with crucial baskets throughout the game.
 
As a team the Vikings shot 28-70 (40%) from the field, 9-21 (43%) on threes, and 18-24 (75%) from the free throw line. They earned 22 points in the paint, 21 points off turn overs, and 23 points off the bench.
 
DaSU was led by Colb Dillenbeck and Lane Tietz who scored 18 and 17 points respectively. Dillenbeck led the team with eight rebounds.
 
DaSU shot 28-62 (45%) from the field, 5-24 (27%) on threes, and 18-23 (78%) from the free throw line. They earned 40 points in the paint, 13 points off turn overs, and 24 points off the bench.
 
Up Next – The Vikings travel to Yankton, S.D. on December 20 to take on Mount Marty University in their last matchup of 2024. Following semester break Viking basketball returns home on Jan. 3, 2025 to take on the University of Jamestown.