Dakota State University stayed perfect in conference play Wednesday night, defeating VCSU 73-61 in Valley City.

VCSU's Briton Bussman scored nine first half points to keep the Vikings close at 34-26 entering the break. But Dakota State built a double-digit lead early in the second half and answering every Viking run with one of their own.

The loss drops VCSU to 0-3 in conference play and 10-12 overall. Dakota State improves to 3-0 in the conference and 10-11 overall.

Mac Kroeplin knocked down five 3's (5-for-7) and scored 15 points to lead the Viking offense. Bussman finished with 14 points on 6-for-10 shooting. Ellwood Ellenson posted a double-double for the Vikings with 12 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks.

Dakota State was led by 19 points from Adam Hofer, who went 6-for-10 from the field and was 3-for-3 on 3's. Cameron Robinson added 15 points and eight rebounds.

VCSU shot 39 percent overall (22-57), 53 percent on 3's (8-15) and 75 percent on free throws. The Trojans finished 46 percent from the field (28-61), 43 percent on 3's (6-14) and 52 percent on free throws (11-21).

Up next: Valley City State (10-12, 0-3 NSAA) hosts Dickinson State on Saturday at 6 p.m. Dakota State hosts Mayville State on Saturday.