BISMARCK, N.D. – Valley City State University explodes in the second half to secure a 94-70 win over Bismarck State University. Viking men are now 10-15 overall, and 6-14 in Frontier Conference games. The Mystics are now 1-25 overall and 1-19 in Frontier Conference games.

Valley City State Vikings opened the game with sharp perimeter shooting, as Joel Nelson and Kaleb Larson knocked down early three-pointers to build an initial lead. The Vikings' defense, led by Maddox Griffin and Caden Grinde, forced multiple turnovers and generated transition chances, allowing Valley City State to stretch the margin to double digits midway through the half.

Bismarck State Mystics responded with a strong late surge, scoring on fast breaks, and briefly took the lead. VCSU's Joel Nelson hit a clutch three in the final seconds to give Valley City State a 41–40 advantage at halftime.

At halftime, the Vikings shot 14-37 from the field, 10-23 from the three-point line, and 3-4 from the free throw line. They were led by Kaleb Larson with 14 points. Joel Nelson followed with 12 points and two steals. Bismarck State shot 15-34 from the field, 4-9 from the three-point line, and 6-8 from the free throw line.

Valley City State quickly took control after the break, using a balanced offensive attack and continued three-point shooting from Larson and Nelson to open up the game. The Vikings went on a decisive run fueled by steals, offensive rebounds, and strong interior play from Maddox Griffin and Jayger Meschke, pushing the lead into the 20-point range.

With momentum firmly on their side, the Vikings maintained pressure on both ends of the floor, consistently answering every Bismarck State basket with timely scoring. Late three-pointers from Taylor Bryant-Frey and inside finishes from Grinde sealed a dominant second half, as Valley City State pulled away for a convincing 94–70 road victory.

Closing the game, the Viking shot 35-75 from the field, 19-42 from the three-point line, and 5-8 from the free throw line. Kaleb Larson led the Vikings, scoring 25 points. Joel Nelson followed with 20 points and three steals. The Mystics shot 29-59 from the field, 7-17 from the three-point line, and 15-19 from the free throw line. Jah Gulley led them with 17 points.

UP NEXT: The Vikings are set to host Carroll College at Concordia College on Friday, Feb. 20.