MADISON, S.D. – The VCSU men's basketball team forced 21 turnovers in its conference road opener, but shooting woes plagued the Vikings as they dropped a 75-70 game at Dakota State University.

Despite shooting just 35 percent, the Vikings had several late leads in the matchup thanks in part to a defense that tallied 15 steals and forced the Trojans into 21 turnovers on their home floor.

The Vikings held their last lead of the game at 70-69 with 90 seconds to play. Dakota State scored on a fastbreak basket with 1:11 remaining to take a 71-70 lead they would not relinquish, scoring the final six points. VCSU had two possessions to take the lead or tie, but were unable to convert in the final minute.

Valley City State drops to 8-8 overall and is now 1-1 in the North Star Athletic Association. Dakota State improves to 7-9 overall and 1-1 in conference play.

Hunter Lyman scored a season-high 19 points and pulled down seven rebounds to lead VCSU. The 6-foot-8 forward shot 7-for-10 from the field. Duoth Gach had 13 points and five rebounds, and Daevonte Munson added 10 points and five boards. Ten different Vikings had steals in the game.

Valley City State shot 35 percent overall (22-63), 29 percent on 3's (7-24) and 79 percent at the line (19-24). Dakota State shot 48 percent overall (25-52), 33 percent on 3's (9-27) and 64 percent at the line (16-25).

VCSU trailed most of the first half before ending it with a 7-1 run, turning a 3-point deficit into a 33-30 lead at the break. Dakota State outscored the Vikings 45-37 over the final 20 minutes.

Dakota State held a slim 39-35 rebounding advantage, while the Vikings had a 13-10 advantage on the offensive glass. VCSU turned it over just 12 times while creating 21 turnovers. The Vikings were able to attempt 11 more shots than Dakota State.

Deshawn Kelly made three 3's and finished with 22 points and 10 rebounds to lead Dakota State.

Up next: Valley City State concludes its weekend road trip with a game at 5 p.m. Saturday at Bellevue University.