VALLEY CITY – Dierra Diegel poured in 18 points Tuesday night to lead a balanced Viking attack in a 67-61 win over NCAA Division II school Bemidji State University.
Diegel scored 14 points in the second half, including nine in the fourth quarter. Her 3-pointer from the left wing with 1:57 remaining put VCSU up 58-53, and the Vikings iced the game by going 9-for-10 at the free throw line over the final two minutes.
Tuesday’s night’s contest was an exhibition game for the Vikings and does not count towards their overall record. It is VCSU’s second exhibition win over an NCAA Division II school this season. The Vikings also defeated Minot State earlier this year. Bemidji State drops to 2-1 with Tuesday’s loss.
Valley City State started fast, opening the game with a 15-4 run and building a 19-9 lead after the first quarter. Bemidji State closed the gap to 26-23 at halftime, and then took its only lead of the game midway through the third quarter. Maria Appicelli’s 3-pointer put the Beavers up 34-33 with 5:43 remaining in the third. Diegel responded with a 3-pointer of her own on the next possession, regaining the lead for Valley City State.
The Vikings led 46-44 after the third quarter, setting up an exciting final period. Two free throws by Appicelli cut the Viking lead to 54-53 with 3:08 to go, but VCSU scored the next six points – including Diegel’s late 3-pointer – to go up 60-53. Bemidji State’s pressure defense fueled a quick run as Bemidji State pulled to within 61-58 before the Vikings iced the game at the free throw line.
The Vikings won despite shooting just 38 percent from the field (21-55). Valley City State finished at 26 percent from 3-point range (5-19) and was 83 percent at the line (20-24). Bemidji State shot 38 percent overall (21-56), 14 percent on 3’s (3-21) and 67 percent at the line (16-24).
Diegel’s 18 points led four Vikings in double figures. She added six rebounds and two assists. The Vikings recorded assists on 16 of their 21 baskets. Alli Vandal posted 13 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Kate Williams had a team-high five assists and nine points. Mackenzie Huber and Hannah Schlecht each added 10 points.
Valley City State held a 33-29 rebounding advantage. Both teams committed 13 turnovers. VCSU recorded four steals, all by Emily Schafer.
Appicelli scored a game-high 23 points to lead Bemidji State.
Up next: Valley City State travels to Montana State University-Billings for games on Friday and Saturday. The Vikings play MSU-Billings on Friday, and then face Carroll College on Saturday.