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CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) The Valley City State Vikings men’s and women’s basketball teams warped up their three game home stand on Saturday with a sweep over Dickinson State. The women defeated the Bluehawks 63-51. The men picked up their first North Star Athletic Association win of the season with a 73-66 win over DSU.
Women: Valley City State 63 Dickinson State 51
The opening half of the women’s game might as well have been a three point contest. The Bluehawks knocked down eight three pointers in the opening half. Despite only hitting six from behind the arc in the opening period it was the Vikings who took a three point lead into the first half.
The Vikings responded after the break by plying shut down defense. In the second half the Bluehawks had just two three pointers and scored just 16 points.
The Vikings were led in the game by Sierra Even who had a team high 15 points and seven rebounds. Georgia Williams matched Even’s 15 points while Courtney Dixon posted 14 points. The games leading scorer was Dickinson’s Paitton Herbst who tallied 18 points.
The win advances Valley City State to 15-7 overall and 3-1 in the North Star. The Bluehawks fall 8-13 overall and 2-2 in the league.
Men: Valley City State 73 Dickinson State 66
The Vikings and Bluehawks went all the way to the wire in the night cap. The Vikings picked up the win by shooting a strong 41 percent from the field.
Valley City’s Riley West led all players in the game with 22 points. The Lakeville, Minnesota native was clutch at the free throw line hitting 8-of-10 shots from the line. He opened the game missing the first two that he shot.
Under the basket Ellwood Ellenson just missed out on a double-double with 11 points and eight rebounds. His counter part Mack Odenier posted a team high 18 points and 12 rebounds for the Bluehawks.
The win advances Valley City to 11-12 overall and 1-3 in the North Star. The Bluehawks fall to 9-12 and 1-3 in the conference.
The Vikings return to the court on Wednesday when they travel to Mayville State. Play begins at 5:30pm with the women’s game. The men will follow after that. Both games can be heard on 1490 KOVC.