Dickinson State pulled away late in the game Friday night as the Valley City State men’s basketball team dropped its conference opener 81-71 to the Blue Hawks.
The Vikings and Blue Hawks traded leads and baskets throughout much of the first 33 minutes before the Blue Hawks were finally able to create some separation down the stretch. Valley City State held a 34-32 halftime lead, but Dickinson State shot 61 percent in the second half and outscored VCSU 49-37 over the final 20 minutes.
Valley City State drops to 2-7 overall and 0-1 in conference play. Dickinson State improves to 5-3 overall and 1-0 in the NSAA. The game was a matchup between the No. 2 (VCSU) and No. 3 (Dickinson) teams in the NSAA Preseason Coaches’ Poll.
