Rashad Satahoo knocked down five 3' s and Austin Dunbar poured in a game-high 23 points Saturday as the Valley City State men's basketball team opened the season with an 85-71 victory against Brandon University.

Dunbar's 23 points and Satahoo's 21 led four Vikings in double figures and propelled VCSU to a victory in head coach Ryan Montgomery's coaching debut Saturday in Valley City. The Vikings move to 1-0 on the season. VCSU and Brandon will rematch Sunday at 2 p.m. at the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse.

The Vikings shot 57 percent in the first half Saturday as they built a 39-35 lead at the break. VCSU outscored Brandon 46-36 in the second half to pull away. The Vikings shot 48 percent overall (31-64), 42 percent from 3-point range (8-19) and 71 percent at the free throw line (15-21).

Dunbar's 23 points came on 8-for-14 shooting. He added five rebounds and three steals. Satahoo went 5-for-8 on 3-pointers as he finished with 21 points and four rebounds. Three of Satahoo's 3's came in the first four minutes and sparked the Vikings to an early 13-3 lead.

Jayden Ferguson had 15 points, five rebounds and three assists. Jason Ralph finished with 11 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals. Starting center Ellwood Ellenson posted eight points and eight rebounds.

VCSU led by as many as 15 points midway through the second half. After the Bobcats trimmed the lead to 72-64 with 5:54 remaining, VCSU mounted a 13-3 run over the next four minutes to put the game out of reach.

The Viking defense came up with 12 steals in the game and forced 22 turnovers by the Bobcats. Brandon University shot 50 percent overall (28-56), 47 percent on 3's (9-19) and 44 percent on free throws (4-9). Josh Bell led Brandon with 13 points. Tyler Anderson added 11.

Up next: Valley City State (1-0) hosts Brandon University at 2 p.m. Sunday in Valley City.