February 14, 2025

MADISON, S.D. – After a high scoring affair in the first quarter, the nationally ranked Dakota State (S.D.) outscored Mayville State (N.D.) 42-25 combined in the second and third quarters to earn an 86-77 North Star Athletic Association women's basketball victory at DSU Fieldhouse.  The victory also gave the Trojans their NSAA regular season title outright, winning for the fifth straight year.

Dakota State, ranked No. 8 in the latest NAIA Women's Basketball Coaches' Top 25 national poll, raised their overall record to 19-4 and 11-1 record in the league.  Mayville State fell to 17-8 overall record and 7-6 NSAA conference record.

It was the annual Ag Ball contest for Dakota State, saying thank you to all local agriculture businesses for the economic growth in Madison.

The Trojans completed their 2024-25 North Star season series sweep of the Comets in three games.

DSU wraps up their regular season home stand Saturday afternoon, hosting Valley City State (N.D.) in another North Star contest.  The tip-off is set for 3 p.m. at DSU Fieldhouse.

(8) Dakota State (S.D.) 86, Mayville State (N.D.) 77 – FINAL

The first ten minutes of the game saw a high scoring affair by both teams, featuring seven lead changes and five ties.  Mayville State grabbed a 31-24 lead after the first quarter, capped by a 3-pointer from Jes Mertens (assisted by Mackenzie Hughes).

MSU shot 11-of-19 from the field in the first period (57.9 percent), including hitting 7-of-9 3-pointers.  DSU was 10-of-19 from the field (52.6 percent) and 3-of-8 from the 3-point arc.

Alex Page kicked off the second quarter with a 3-pointer, followed by Mertens' basket as the Comets ballooned their lead to 36-24 with seven minutes, thirty-eight seconds on the clock.

Trailing 38-29, Dakota State closed the second quarter by using a 17-5 outburst to overtake the lead.  Bria Wasmund highlighted the scoring run with a steal and completed a 3-point play to regain their lead at 41-40 with 1:48 to go before halftime.

Hannah Stark hit a 3-pointer as MSU took a 43-41 lead on the next possession, while Lilli Mackley answered with a 3-pointer (assisted by Hamtyn Heinz) as the Trojans led 44-43 with 1:30 to go in the second period.

Tabor Teel closed the second quarter with a layup as Dakota State led 46-43 at halftime.

DSU outscored MSU 22-12 in the second period.  The Trojans were 33.3 percent from the field (8-of-24 field goals) and held the Comets to 29.4 percent from the field (5-of-17 field goals).

Hughes drained a 3-pointer to record the seventh tie of the game at 46-46 with 9:46 left in the third quarter.

Dakota State maintained their lead between one and six points for the next six minutes before making a late scoring run.

Leading 55-52, the Trojans closed the third quarter by making five straight layups to fuel their 11-4 scoring run.  Mackley closed the third quarter with back-to-back layups as the Trojans extended their lead to 66-55.

Dakota State outscored Mayville State 20-13 in the third quarter, thanks to their 53.3 percent field goal shooting (8-of-15 field goals).  The Comets were held to 5-of-20 field goals (25 percent).

At 71-61, the Trojans scored seven straight points to post the biggest lead of the game.  Mackley sparked the scoring run with a layup, followed by another layup from Olivia Ritter, and capped with a 3-point play by Teel for DSU 78-61 lead with less than six minutes remaining.

DSU maintained their double-dight lead for the rest of the game to secure the victory.  MSU could get no closer than nine points at 86-77 after a 3-pointer from Hughes with 1:06 left.

Teel a double-double of career-highs 35 points and 16 rebounds (11 defensive) for Dakota State.  She also had two blocks.  Teel's 35 points is the fifth most points scored in DSU women's basketball single game school history.  She was 12-of-19 from the field and hit 9-of-10 free throws.

Mackley added 17 points on her 7-of-14 field goals for DSU.  She also had five rebounds.  Angela Slattery added 12 points and six rebounds.  She stole the ball three times.  Cierra Watkins had nine points and three steals. 

Mertens led the Comets with 25 points and 12 rebounds for a double-double.  She also had five assists, two steals, and two blocks.  Hughes scored 20 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and contributed seven assists.  Page and Stark each added 14 points and six rebounds.

Dakota State shot 42.9 percent overall from the field (33-of-70 field goals) compared to Mayville State 38.9 percent (28-of-72 field goals).  The Comets were 15-of-30 from the 3-point arc to the Trojans 6-of-30 3-pointers.

DSU hit 14-of-18 free throws compared to MSU 6-of-7 free throws. 

Mayville State outrebounded Dakota State 47-43.  DSU outscored MSU 20-11 in second chance points.

The Trojans shut down the Comets 15-0 in points off turnovers.  Dakota State scored 54 points inside the paint compared to Mayville State 20 points inside the paint.