December 2, 2025

MADISON, S.D. – No. 4 Dakota State used a dominant first quarter, a balanced scoring attack, and a late fourth-quarter surge to secure a 74–62 victory over No. 14 Dakota Wesleyan on Tuesday evening at the DSU Fieldhouse.  It was the third straight 'Battle of the Blues' victory for the Trojans and third win in the previous four meetings with the Trojans.

Ironically, Dakota State defeated Dakota Wesleyan by identical score of 74-62 in the last two meetings (defeated DWU at the Corn Palace last season).

The Trojans improved to 8–1, while the Tigers dropped to 5–3.  DSU won their fifth straight game.  DSU finished their non-conference schedule with a 5-1 record, despite a setback to NAIA's No. 1 ranked Dordt (Iowa) 86-82 on Nov. 11 in Sioux Falls, S.D.
  FIRST QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS
Dakota State came out firing, pushing the pace and attacking early.

• Cierra Watkins set the tone with a fast-break layup and free throw in the opening minute, scoring 11 first-quarter points on a perfect 5-for-5 shooting start.
• Mackenzi Simmons added a three-pointer and a layup, and DSU forced four early DWU turnovers.

DSU shot 10-for-24 in the opening period while forcing the Tigers into tough looks. The Trojans led 25–18 after one. SECOND QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS
DSU maintained control and stretched their lead into double digits.

• Caitlin Dyer drained two threes in the quarter as the Trojans continued to stretch the floor, leading as many as 13 points (38-25 with 1:36 on the clock)
• Dakota Wesleyan struggled offensively, shooting just 3-for-16 in the frame.
• DSU's defense forced five more Tiger turnovers and held DWU to nine points.

Dakota State headed to halftime with a 38–27 advantage. THIRD QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS
The Tigers responded with better interior play after halftime.

• Rylee Rosenquist scored five in the period, and DWU attacked the offensive glass (five O-boards).
• DSU answered with timely shooting—Dyer, Heinz, and Simmons each knocked down a three during the quarter.

Dakota Wesleyan trimmed the deficit to single digits briefly, but DSU maintained a 52–40 lead entering the fourth. FOURTH QUARTER – Trojans seal it at the line
DWU made one final push behind Emma Yost's seven fourth-quarter points, closing within ten points multiple times.

But the Trojans delivered in crunch time:

• Tabor Teel scored five in the final period.
• Brooke Gunderson hit a layup (assisted by Teel) as the Trojans grabbed the biggest lead at 58-42 with 8:28 left.
• DSU went 12-for-18 at the free-throw line in the fourth.
• Bria Wasmund added a key late three to extend the lead to double digits for good.

DAKOTA STATE STAT LEADERS
(Team: 23-65 field goals, 9-31 3-point field goals, 19-29 free-throws)

Cierra Watkins – 13 points, 10 rebounds, 4 steals, 1 block
Caitlin Dyer – 15 points (3-7 3FG), 2 steals
Hamtyn Heinz – 11 points (3-5 3FG)
Tabor Teel – 9 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 blocks
Ella Carstensen – 10 points, 7 rebounds
Mackenzi Simmons – 5 points, 3 rebounds, 2 blocks, 2 steals DAKOTA WESLEYAN STAT LEADERS
(Team: 26-69 field goals, 1-5 3-point field goals, 9-13 free-throws)

Emma Yost – 15 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals
Rylee Rosenquist – 14 points, 5 rebounds
Shalayne Nagel – 6 points, 12 rebounds, 2 blocks
Jaida Young – 6 points, 8 assists, 5 steals TEAM STATS

• Points off turnovers: DSU 16, DWU 5
• Fast-break points: DSU 17, DWU 13
• Bench points: DSU 28, DWU 11
• Total rebounds: DWU 48 – DSU 45
• Blocks: DSU 7 – DWU 5

UP NEXT
Dakota State returns to their busy Frontier Conference schedule Friday versus Mayville State (N.D.).  Tip-off is set for 5 p.m. at DSU Fieldhouse.  The DSU basketball teams will be hosting their Faculty/Staff Appreciation Night.