JAMESTOWN, N.D. (VCSUVikings.com) – The Valley City State and University of Jamestown men’s basketball teams christened the new Harold Newman Arena with an instant classic Saturday.
Viking senior Justyn Galloway scored on a putback with 0.4 seconds left as Valley City State upset No. 23 Jamestown, 92-91. Galloway’s game-winner capped a wild final three minutes that saw nine lead changes and 20 combined points in the program’s first meeting inside Jamestown’s new arena.
It was Galloway who started the crazy finish, scoring inside with 2:29 left to put the Vikings up 83-82. The teams traded baskets the rest of the game, igniting each side of the crowd at the jam-packed Newman Arena. Viking freshman Jake Skelly nailed a 3-pointer from the left corner to give VCSU a 90-89 lead with 32 seconds to go – the seventh lead change in the final 3 minutes – but Jamestown’s Kevin Oberweiser answered on the other end with a tough left-handed layup.
The Vikings got the ball back with 17 seconds left and a chance to win it. Good Jimmie defense forced Skelly into a long 3-point attempt that fell way short, but waiting under the basket for the rebound was Galloway who corralled it and scored the winner with 0.4 seconds on the clock.
With the win, Valley City State keeps its season alive as the Vikings try to play their way into the NSAA Postseason Tournament. The Vikings improve to 13-15 overall and 6-9 in the North Star Athletic Association. VCSU has won its last four NSAA games, including wins against the top three teams in the NSAA standings. Despite the surge, the Vikings still have work to do to make the tournament. VCSU has one more regular season game remaining Feb. 16 at Waldorf University.
University of Jamestown, ranked No. 23 in the country, drops to 19-9 overall and 8-7 in the NSAA.
Dunbar and Jayden Ferguson both scored 29 points to lead Valley City State’s offense. Dunbar scored 24 of his points in the second half after picking up three quick fouls to start the game. The senior forward added nine rebounds, shot 10-for-12 from the field and was 9-for-12 at the line. At one point midway through the second half, Dunbar scored 14 straight points for the Vikings.
Rashad Satahoo added 10 points for VCSU, and Galloway chipped in nine.
Jamestown was led by a career-high 36 points from guard Kevin Oberweiser. While Dunbar was making his run for VCSU in the second half, Oberweiser was doing the same for Jamestown with 15 straight points on his end. Center Leighton Sampson added 19 points for Jamestown in 22 minutes of play. Sampson was in foul trouble most of the night and fouled out with about three minutes remaining.
VCSU shot 59 percent overall (34-58), going 17-for-29 in both halves. Jamestown shot 53 percent for the game (30-57). Both teams made eight 3-pointers.
The Vikings opened the game with a quick 14-2 run, getting two baskets by Dunbar and 3-pointers by Ferguson, Satahoo and Quist to take the 12-point lead just four minutes into the game. Jamestown chipped away at the deficit and then used a 9-0 run to take their first lead of the game at 31-30 with 5:50 to go. From there, the teams traded points the rest of the half and the Jimmies took a 46-44 lead into the locker.
Both teams shot more than 50 percent in the first half and the two teams combined to make 10 3-pointers. Ferguson had a big first half for VCSU with 16 points on 7-for-9 shooting.
The Vikings played the final 14:33 of the first half without Dunbar, who picked up three early fouls. VCSU was whistled for seven fouls in the first seven minutes of the game, putting Jamestown into the bonus with 13:10 remaining in the first half. The Jimmies took advantage, going 12-for-14 at the free throw line the rest of the half.
Leading 51-48 early in the second half, the Jimmies and guard Kevin Oberweiser went on an 11-2 run to open up a 62-50 lead – their largest advantage of the game.
Up next: Valley City State closes out the regular season Friday, Feb. 16, at Waldorf Univ