The University of Jamestown retained its hold on first place in the North Star Athletic Association on Saturday, going on the road and defeating Valley City State University. 87-64 at the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse.

The teams traded baskets through the first 10 minutes before Jamestown began to pull away late in the first half. The Jimmies built a 42-26 halftime lead after outscoring VCSU 23-10 over the final 7:30 of the first half. The Vikings cut their deficit to 12 points early in the second half but could get no closer.

Valley City State drops to 11-14 overall and 1-5 in the North Star Athletic Association. Jamestown improves to 17-6 overall and 5-1 in the NSAA. The Jimmies share first place in the conference with Dakota State, which defeated Presentation College on Saturday.

Mac Kroeplin led the Vikings with 17 points off the bench. Ellwood Ellenson had 13 points and seven rebounds for the Vikings, and Briton Bussman added nine points and three rebounds.

Jamestown was led by 17 points from Brequan Tucker, 14 from Taylor Newton, and 12 each from Jake Hagler and Sam Johnson.

Valley City State shot 38 percent overall (24-64), 42 percent on 3's (8-19) and were a perfect 8-for-8 on free throws.

University of Jamestown made 47 percent of its field goal attempts (30-64), were 50 percent on 3's (10-20) and 81 percent on free throws (17-21).

Jamestown out-rebounded the Vikings 46-31. The teams combined for just 14 turnovers, including eight by the Jimmies and six by the Vikings.

Up next: Valley City State plays at Dickinson State on Wednesday. The Jimmies host Presentation College, also on Wednesday.