For the Valley City State women's basketball team, it's good to be back home. Six Vikings scored in double figures Wednesday night as the Vikings played their first home game in 52 days, earning an 82-69 conference victory over Dakota State.
Valley City State never trailed in the game and shot 55 percent from the field and 50 percent from 3-point range. VCSU jumped out to a 21-10 lead after the first quarter and held a 41-31 halftime lead. Leading 43-35 in the third quarter, the Vikings ripped off an 8-0 run with baskets from four different players and built its largest lead of the game at 51-35.
The Lady T's used a 12-3 run midway through the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to 74-68, but VCSU responded with the next eight points to put the game out of reach.
The Vikings improve to 12-7 overall and are now 5-1 in the North Star Athletic Association. Dakota State drops to 12-10 overall and 4-2 in conference play.
Sara Schwanke scored 15 points on 7-for-12 shooting to lead Valley City's balanced offensive attack. Lexi Lennon posted a double-double with 14 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. Nisja Bass scored just two points but facilitated the offensive attack with a game-high eight assists. Georgia Williams tallied 13 points, six steals and four assists. Mackenzie Huber added 11 points, and both Courtney Dixon and Alli Vandal scored 10 points.
Dakota State was led by 19 points and three blocks by Sharee Galbraith. BreeAna Olson added 13 points and four steals, and Courtney Hulstein knocked down three 3's to finish with 11 points.
Dakota State shot 40 percent from the field (27-67), 38 percent on 3's (6-16) and 50 percent at the free throw line (9-18).
Valley City State finishes at 55 percent shooting (34-62), 50 percent from 3-point range (7-14) and 64 percent at the free throw line (7-11).
The Vikings collected 42 rebounds, including 10 offensive. Dakota State had 30 total rebounds with 11 on the offensive glass. Valley City State finished with 19 assists, 20 turnovers, seven blocks and 10 steals. Dakota State recorded 10 assists, 13 turnovers, three blocks and 12 steals.
Up next: Valley City State (12-7, 5-1 NSAA) travels to Dickinson State on Saturday. The winner gains sole possession of second place in the NSAA. Dakota State (12-10, 4-2 NSAA) travels to Mayville State, also on Saturday.
