December 12, 2025

HAVRE, Mont. – No. 4 Dakota State (S.D.) used a balanced offensive attack to secure a 73–63 Frontier Conference road victory over (RV) Montana State-Northern on Friday evening at Armory Gymnasium.  The Trojans extended their winning streak to eight games and remained undefeated in the Frontier Conference play.

Dakota State extended their best start with an overall record of 11-1 and 6-0 record in the league.  MSU-Northern, receiving votes in the latest NAIA national poll, fell to 6-3 overall record and 4-2 record in Frontier Conference.  DSU completed their season series sweep of MSU-Northern, where they played in their first meeting three weeks ago at DSU Fieldhouse.

The Trojans kicked off the game by scoring nine straight points on four consecutive baskets from four different scorers—Cierra Watkins, Tabor Teel, Caitlin Dyer, and Mackenzi Simmons.  DSU led 9-0 and forced the Skylights to burn their first timeout of the game within two minutes in the game.

The Trojans established a 25–21 lead after the first quarter. Dakota State shot efficiently in the opening 10 minutes, connecting on four three-pointers and repeatedly finding success in the paint as they built as much as a 10-point cushion midway through the quarter.

Dakota State stretched its advantage in the second period, holding MSU-Northern to just 11 points while scoring 22 of its own. By halftime, Dakota State had built a 47–32 lead, shooting over 50 percent from the floor and outscoring the Skylights 24-10 in the paint through two quarters.

Montana State-Northern responded with its best stretch of the game in the third quarter, scoring 20 points and briefly cutting into the deficit. The Skylights knocked down several timely baskets and found some rhythm offensively, but Dakota State answered each push. The Trojans continued to attack inside and drew fouls, keeping the margin comfortable heading into the final period with a 64–52 advantage.

Dakota State maintained their lead for the rest of the game in the fourth period, despite being outscored 11-9.

Hamtyn Heinz led Dakota State with 14 points, knocking down four three-pointers and providing a spark off the bench. Dyer, Watkins, and Ella Carstensen each added 11 points, while Teel contributed a well-rounded performance with 10 points, a game-high 11 rebounds, four assists, and a block. Dakota State finished with 36 points in the paint and 29 bench points, showcasing its depth and inside-out balance.

As a team, the Trojans shot 46.6 percent from the field (27-of-58 field goals) and 45 percent from three-point range (9-of-20 3-pointers), while forcing nine turnovers and holding MSU-Northern under 40 percent shooting (39.3 percent – 24-of-61 field goals). Dakota State also won the rebounding battle, 33–30 and recorded 12 assists on 27 made field goals.

Montana State-Northern was led by Lauren Gunn and Canzas HisBadHorse, who each scored 12 points, while Ciera Agasiva chipped in 11.

Dakota State closes out their 2025 calendar year Saturday evening as they travel to McLaughlin Center to take on (RV) Providence (Mont.) in the Frontier Conference action.  Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. (Central Time)/5 p.m. (Mountain Time) in Great Falls, Mont.