The Viking men's basketball team held a 7-point second half lead Saturday at Dakota State, but VCSU could not hold it as the Trojans rallied for a 65-60 victory.

VCSU led 34-27 early in the second half against the North Star Athletic Association co-leader, but Dakota State scored the next 12 points to take the lead for good on their home floor.

Ellwood Ellenson posted a game-high 17 points and nine rebounds to lead the Vikings Saturday. Riley West scored 13 points and had three assists. Mac Kroeplin scored 11 points and had five rebounds. Jayden Ferguson added eight points, seven rebounds and four assists, and Paxton Lloyd provided seven points off the bench.

Bryant Allen led the Trojans with 17 points, and Derek Meger scored 12.

The Vikings drop to 11-16 overall and 1-7 in the NSAA. Dakota State improves to 13-13 overall and takes over sole possession of first place in the NSAA with a 6-2 conference record.

Valley City State shot 45 percent Saturday night (23-51). The Vikings were 38 percent on 3's (8-21) and 75 percent on free throws (6-8). Dakota State finished 44 percent overall (24-55), 23 percent on 3's (5-22) and 67 percent on free throws (12-18).

Each team had 32 rebounds. The Vikings had 13 assists, 19 turnovers, no blocks and five steals. Dakota State tallied 19 assists, 13 turnovers, four blocks and 10 steals.

Up next: Valley City State hosts Mayville State on Wednesday night. The men's game tips at 7:30 p.m., with the women squaring off at 5:30 p.m.