December 6, 2025

MADISON, S.D. – Dakota State (S.D.) erupted for 47 first-half points and shot nearly 45 percent from the field Saturday night, rolling to a 77–62 Frontier Conference victory over visiting Valley City State (N.D.) at the DSU Fieldhouse.  DSU earned their fifth straight victory, their fourth straight Frontier Conference victory.

The Trojans improved to 9–1 overall and 4–1 in the Frontier, while the Vikings dropped to 4–5 overall record, 0–5 Frontier.

Dakota State continued their best 10-game start, matching the 1966-67 squad.  The Trojans are also 7-0 record at home this season, completing their season-high five-game home stand undefeated.

First-Half Highlights
Dakota State's starting unit set the tone early with a flurry of perimeter shooting and transition play. The Trojans hit eight three-pointers in the first half and used a 21–8 stretch to build a 26–15 lead at the 8:58 mark.

The Trojans took a commanding 47-27 halftime lead, thanks to their efficient offense—18-of-35 shooting (51.4 percent).  DSU held VCSU to 10-of-27 field goals (37 percent).

Second-Half Highlights
Dakota State maintained a 20–25-point cushion for much of the second half, relying on ball control and half-court execution. DSU shot 12-of-18 from the free-throw line after the break and kept Valley City State from sustaining any significant run.

The Trojans' largest lead of the night reached 30 points at 65-35 after Nathan Ojukwu's dunk with 12:16 remaining.

Valley City State went on a monstrous run to cut DSU's lead to 66-55 with 4:28 left, but the Trojans maintained their double-digit lead to secure the victory.

Trojans Individual Leaders
Brayden Pankonen poured in season-high 24 points on a blistering 6-of-8 shooting and 5-of-7 from three. He added five rebounds and five assists.

Aiden Jensen added 14 points and seven rebounds, while Ojukwu also scored 14 with 8 boards and 4 assists, providing two-way impact throughout the night.

Tyler Beckwith chipped in 10 points, and Dakota State's bench added 12 more points combined with the contributions of Desman Botts, Taine Mitchell, and Nolan Segner.

DSU Team Highlights
DSU held VCSU to 36.1% shooting (22-of-61) and just 4-of-21 from deep. The Trojans' length and switching scheme bothered the Vikings early—VCSU committed eight first-half turnovers and never led in the contest.

The Trojans were particularly dominant on the glass, posting a 40–38 rebounding edge while limiting VCSU to 17 second-chance points.

Vikings Individual Leaders
Valley City State was led by Logan Deal's 13-point, 10-rebound double-double. Kaleb Larson and Nez Chehade each scored 12 points, while Joel Nelson chipped in six points and two assists.

Team Stats Snapshot
Dakota State

• 77 points
• 44.8% FG (26–58)
• 47.6% 3PT (10–21)
• 71.4% FT (15–21)
• 19 assists, 12 turnovers
• 40 rebounds (10 offensive)
• 13 points off turnovers
• 28 points in the paint

Valley City State

• 62 points
• 36.1% FG (22–61)
• 19% 3PT (4–21)
• 58.3% FT (14–24)
• 11 assists, 12 turnovers
• 38 rebounds
• 30 points in the paint

Up Next
Dakota State begins their six-game road stretch in the Frontier Conference, starting Friday at Montana State University-Northern.  The game is set for 8 p.m. (Central Time)/7 p.m. (Mountain Time) at Armory Gymnasium in Havre, Mont.