October 27, 2026
MADISON, S.D. — Dakota State (S.D.) opened its 2026-27 men's basketball season in convincing fashion Tuesday afternoon, cruising to a 98-38 victory over Trinity Bible (N.D.) at Madison High School in the Education Kickoff Classic. The Trojans featured a balanced scoring attack with three players reaching double figures and used a dominant performance in the paint to secure their first victory of the season.
It was the season opener for the Trojans. It was an exhibition game for Trinity Bible. DSU won their season opener for the third straight year (since 2024-25), as well as their fourth straight season home opener since 2023-24.
How it happened
Dakota State established control early after Trinity Bible briefly held a 6-4 advantage behind a pair of 3-pointers from Jason Hull. The Trojans responded with seven consecutive points, highlighted by a basket from
Aiden Jensen and a 3-pointer by Beckwith, to take an 11-6 lead.
The Trojans continued to build their advantage behind efficient inside scoring and defensive pressure.
Lukas Morgan scored 12 of his 16 points in the opening half, shooting 6-of-7 from the field, while Jensen contributed all nine of his points before halftime.
Dakota State shot a sizzling 63.3 percent from the field (19-of-30 field goals) in the first half, including 3-of-7 from beyond the arc. The Trojans outscored Trinity Bible 51-21 during the opening 20 minutes to take a commanding 30-point halftime lead.
The Trojans maintained their momentum after intermission, outscoring the Lions 47-17 in the second half. Dakota State collected 11 offensive rebounds in the final 20 minutes and forced 15 Trinity Bible turnovers.
TJ Harris led the second-half scoring surge with 11 points, making all five of his field goal attempts.
Jonathan Campbell added eight points after halftime, while Dakota State's reserves contributed throughout the period.
Dakota State's defense limited Trinity Bible to 8-of-28 field goal shooting (28.6 percent) and just 1-of-8 from the 3-point line in the second half.
Dakota State led by as many as 62 points during the contest.
Inside the box score
Morgan led the Trojans with 16 points, eight rebounds, two steals and an assist. Harris followed with 14 points, five rebounds, two steals and an assist, while Beckwith contributed 12 points, three rebounds, an assist, a steal and a blocked shot.
Jensen finished with nine points on 3-of-6 shooting and was perfect at the free-throw line (3-of-3). He also registered two rebounds, two blocked shots and an assist.
Tian Chatman recorded eight points and six rebounds, while Campbell added eight points, four rebounds and a team-high three assists.
Brayden Pankonen tallied seven points and a game-high six steals, along with two rebounds and an assist. His six steals were tied for eighth most single-game steals in DSU men's basketball school record book.
Kee'on Hutton also scored seven points, grabbed four rebounds and contributed one assist and one steal.
Trinity Bible was led by Hull and Jordan Reeves with eight points apiece. Reeves shot 4-of-8 from the field and pulled down a game-high nine rebounds, including seven defensive boards. He also recorded a blocked shot.
Mike Siffoi and JJ Gatei Jr. each scored seven points for the Lions.
The Trojans finished with a 64-20 advantage in points in the paint, 30-5 in fast-break points and 32-9 in points off turnovers. Dakota State also held a 27-2 advantage in second-chance points and received 46 points from its bench compared to six for the Lions.
Up next
Dakota State heads to Bellevue, Neb., next weekend as they prepare for their two-day Chick-fil-A Classic, hosted by Bellevue (Neb.). The Trojans play Mount Marty (S.D.) on the first day of the tournament on Friday, Nov. 6, at 5 p.m. The tournament is being held at BU Fieldhouse.
