November 15, 2025

BELLEVUE, Neb. – Bellevue (Neb.) used a strong second half and timely 3-point shooting to pull away late, handing Dakota State (S.D.) a 78–72 Frontier Conference road setback Saturday afternoon at the BU Fieldhouse.  DSU, despite their best 4-0 start for the first time since 1966-67 season, suffered their first setback of the season.

The Trojans, who led multiple times throughout the first half, slipped to 4–1 overall (0–1 Frontier), while Bellevue improved to 6–0 (1–0 Frontier).

First Half Highlights
Dakota State opened with clean offensive execution, shooting 50 percent in the first half and getting early scoring from D'Marius Shumaker, Lukas Morgan, and Ryan Beckwith. DSU built its largest lead at 19–11 behind balanced scoring and defensive activity that forced Bruins' miscues.

Bellevue steadied itself with inside scoring from Mathok Mathok and perimeter contributions from Ahamad Bynum, eventually trimming the DSU lead. The Trojans went into halftime ahead 37–35, despite 10 first-half turnovers that prevented them from stretching the margin further.

Second Half Highlights
The Bruins heated up from beyond the arc after the break, knocking down 10 total 3-pointers in the game and using a 43-point second half to seize control. With the game tied 53-53 with less than 13 minutes to go, the Bruins went on a 14-2 outburst for biggest lead of the game at 67-55 with 7:42 remaining.

Dakota State battled back with free throws from Lukas Morgan to stay within striking distance, but Bellevue capitalized on DSU turnovers and defensive stops, extending its lead to multiple possessions late.

Trojans Highlights
DSU shot the ball efficiently overall at 50 percent from the field (27–54). The Trojans were strong inside, scoring 40 points in the paint and getting 32 bench points.

Bellevue outscored DSU 43–35 after halftime en route to the 78–72 final.

Dakota State Statistical Leaders

• Desman Botts — 22 points, 9-of-11 FGs, 8 rebounds
• Nathan Ojukwu — 15 points, 5 rebounds, 6-of-14 FGs, 3-of-7 3FGs
• Lukas Morgan — 16 points, 6 rebounds, 7-of-12 FGs
• Dakota State Bench — 32 points, provided major minutes in the second half

Team totals:

• FG: 27–54 (50.0%)
• 3PT: 4–12 (33.3%)
• FT: 14–21 (66.7%)
• Rebounds: 34 (8 offensive)
• Points in Paint: 40
• Fastbreak Points: 4
• Points off Turnovers: 13

Bellevue Statistical Highlights

• FG: 28–56 (50.0%)
• 3PT: 10–22 (45%)
• FT: 12–19 (63%)

Up Next
Dakota State returns home next weekend as they begin their season-high five-game home stand at DSU Fieldhouse.  The Trojans continue their Frontier Conference action, hosting Providence (Mont.) Friday and MSU-Northern next Saturday.  Both games are set for 7 p.m.