VALLEY CITY – Valley City State was unable to overcome a first-half barrage from Mayville State on Wednesday night as the Comets picked up the win in a North Star men's basketball rivalry game.
 
Mayville State shot 68 percent in the first half, building a 63-39 lead at the break en route to a 96-76 victory over VCSU.
 
Valley City State drops to 9-8 overall and 1-2 in the North Star Athletic Association. Mayville State improves to 15-3 overall and 3-0 in conference play.
 
The Comets went 7-for-9 on 3's in the first half (78 percent) and scored 42 points in the paint during the opening 20 minutes. Valley City State outscored Mayville State in the second half – 37-33 – but were never able to make a serious dent in the Comet advantage.
 
Four Vikings scored in double figures, led by 14 points each off the bench from Lamar Grayson and Odier Olange. Olange also tallied 7 rebounds and 3 blocks in the game. Agwa Nywesh scored 13 points and had a team-high 3 steals, and Cayden Rickard finished with 10 points, 2 assists and 2 steals.
 
Thomas Gieske and Jamison Kramer both scored 21 points each to pace Mayville State. Kramer finished with a double-double of 21 points and 13 rebounds. John White Jr. made five 3's and finished with 17 points for Mayville.
 
Valley City State shot 37 percent in the game (26-70), 26 percent on 3's (6-23) and 64 percent at the line (18-28). Mayville State finished the game at 55 percent overall (41-74), 42 percent on 3's (8-19) and 60 percent on free throws (6-10).
 
The Vikings are back in action Friday with a doubleheader at Dickinson State. The women's game tips at 6:30 p.m. Central Time with the men to follow at 8:30 p.m. from Dickinson.