November 22, 2025

MADISON, S.D. – Dakota State men's basketball surged out to a massive early lead and never looked back Saturday night, powering past MSU–Northern 75–55 in Frontier Conference play at the DSU Fieldhouse. The Trojans improved to 6–1 overall and 2–1 in Frontier action, while the Lights dropped to 4–3, 1–2 Frontier.

Dakota State shot a blistering 49.1 percent from the field (26-of-53 field goals), held MSU–Northern to 37 percent (20-of-54 field goals).

DSU immediately grabbed control by storming ahead 16–7 in the opening minutes, fueled by transition baskets and early 3-point shooting. The Trojans' offense clicked at every level, shooting 16-for-33 (48.5%) in the opening period while racking up 20 points in the paint and 8 points off MSUN turnovers.

By halftime, Dakota State led 38–22, their defense having forced nine first-half turnovers and limited the Lights to just two made threes.

MSU–Northern played DSU nearly even after halftime, but the Trojans' early separation was simply too much to overcome. DSU's largest lead reached 23 points.
  DSU TEAM STAT HIGHLIGHTS

• FG: 26–53 (49.1%)
• 3PT: 7–16 (43.8%)
• FT: 16–21 (76.2%)
• Rebounds: 33
• Turnovers: 10 (forced 15)
• Points off turnovers: 17
• Points in the paint: 32
• Bench points: 16
• Fast-break points: 10

The Trojans also recorded 4 blocks and 6 steals. MSU–NORTHERN TEAM STAT HIGHLIGHTS

• FG: 20–54 (37%)
• 3PT: 7–23 (30.4%)
• FT: 8–13 (61.5%)
• Rebounds: 33
• Turnovers: 15
• Points in the paint: 18
• Bench points: 13

TROJAN INDIVIDUAL LEADERS
Lukas Morgan – 21 points, 8-of-13 field goals, 2-of-3 3-point field goals
Nathan Ojukwu – 19 points, 8-of-13 field goals, 2-of-3 3-point field goals, 8 rebounds
Brayden Pankonen – 9 points, 4 assists, 0 turnovers
Aiden Jensen – 7 points, 4 rebounds, 2 blocks
Taine Mitchell – 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals LIGHTS' INDIVIDUAL LEADERS
Austin Ramos – 14 points, 6 rebounds
Cinque Maxwell – 12 points, 4 steals
Tracen Jilot – 11 points First Half Highlights
Dakota State created separation immediately with a 9–2 burst fueled by Morgan and Ojukwu. DSU shot 48% in the half and forced nine turnovers while holding MSUN without a field goal for stretches of over two minutes multiple times. The Trojans went into the locker room up 38–22.

Second Half Highlights
MSU–Northern found some rhythm, shooting 12-for-31 in the period, but DSU had an answer each time with Morgan's midrange scoring, Pankonen's pace, and Jensen's post finishes.
  UP NEXT
Dakota State heads to their Thanksgiving break and returns to action Tuesday for a non-conference action against rival Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.) at DSU Fieldhouse.  The Battle of the Blues contest is set for 7 p.m. as DSU continues their season-high five-game home stand.