November 11, 2025
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Dakota State men's basketball continued its undefeated start to the 2025–26 campaign with a statement win Tuesday night, knocking off (RV) Dordt (Iowa) 80–68 in a neutral-site showdown at the Sanford Sports Complex at the Pentagon. It was the first time that the Trojans earned their win over the Defenders at the Pentagon.
Dakota State snapped their 12-game losing skid in the series meeting with Dordt. The last time the Trojans defeated the Defenders was on Jan. 9, 2013, at the DSU Fieldhouse by the score of 83-65.
First Half Highlights
The Trojans opened strong, shooting 46 percent in the first half and establishing control on the boards to take a 43–40 halftime lead.
Lukas Morgan set the tone early with nine points before the break, including a three-pointer and several key finishes in transition.
Nathan Ojukwu and
Taine Mitchell powered DSU's inside attack—combining for 18 first-half points and nine rebounds.
Dakota State scored 22 of its 43 first-half points in the paint and turned nine Dordt turnovers into 12 points.
Second Half Highlights
After trading leads through the early minutes of the second period, the Trojans broke away midway through the half behind a 15–2 run fueled by Ojukwu and Morgan.
Ojukwu erupted for 14 of his team-high 16 points in the second frame for DSU. Dakota State's defense tightened, limiting Dordt to just 28 points on 33 percent shooting (11-of-33 field goals) after halftime.
Individual Highlights
Brayden Pankonen provided timely scoring from the perimeter, finishing with 14 points on 3-of-7 shooting from deep.
Desman Botts and
Tyler Beckwith each chipped in eight points, combining for 12 rebounds and three blocks, while Mitchell added 11 points and five rebounds. The Trojans' depth shone again, with the bench contributing 25 points.
Team Numbers
Dakota State shot 46 percent overall (29-of-63 field goals) and held Dordt to 38.6 percent from the floor (22-of-57 field goals).
The Trojans dominated the glass 40–34 and outscored the Defenders 42–32 in the paint. DSU also forced 14 turnovers while committing only 12, converting those into 16 points. Both teams attempted 25 free throws, but DSU's balanced scoring and physical presence inside proved decisive.
Dordt Leaders
Ty Van Essen led the Defenders with 16 points and seven rebounds. Judson Henkel added 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting, and Connor Millikan recorded 11 points, six rebounds, and five assists despite seven turnovers. Dordt finished just 4-of-19 (21.1 percent) from beyond the arc.
Key Runs
The game saw nine ties and 13 lead changes through the first 25 minutes before Dakota State took control with a 68–53 advantage at the seven-minute mark. The Trojans' largest lead reached 15 late in the second half, sealing their fourth straight win.
Up Next
Dakota State (4–0 overall record – best start in men's basketball program – on record since 2006-07 season – still need to find schedules prior to 2006-07) plays their first Frontier Conference contest of the season Saturday afternoon, visiting their traveling partner Bellevue (Neb.) (5-0) overall record) in the battle of undefeated teams. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. at BU Fieldhouse in Bellevue, Neb.
