February 21, 2026
MADISON, S.D. – Dakota State (S.D.) built an early double-digit lead and used a dominant scoring performance from
Lukas Morgan to defeat Bismarck State (N.D.) 86-72 Saturday evening at the DSU Fieldhouse in Frontier Conference men's basketball regular-season finale. The Trojans completed their Frontier Conference season series sweep of the Mystics.
Dakota State lifted their overall record to 18-9, the most wins since 2015-16 season. The Trojans also closed their home schedule with a 10-4 record, the first double digit home win since the 2017-18 season (11 home wins). DSU finished their inaugural Frontier Conference with a 13-9 record, setting a new single-season conference wins (previous high was 12 conference wins in the 2004-05 season).
Bismarck State ended their season with an overall record of 1-27 and 1-21 record in the league.
Dakota State led nearly the entire contest, controlling the pace offensively and never allowing the Mystics to fully erase an early deficit.
Taine Mitchell was honored prior to the game as the lone Trojan senior men's basketball athlete, playing in his final home collegiate basketball game at DSU Fieldhouse.
First Half Highlights
Dakota State opened the game with strong defensive pressure and transition scoring, racing to a 12-0 lead in the opening minutes.
Brayden Pankonen knocked down multiple early three-pointers while the Trojans forced turnovers that led to easy baskets.
The lead grew to as much as 16 points midway through the half after another Pankonen triple made it 21-5 with 11:44 on the clock.
Bismarck State responded with outside shooting from Houston Davis and Kamayua Black Jr. to cut into the margin.
Despite the Mystics' push, Dakota State maintained control behind efficient inside play from Morgan and
Nathan Ojukwu, taking a 44-32 halftime lead. The Trojans highlighted with 63 percent field goal shooting in the first half (17-of-27 field goals).
Second Half Highlights
Bismarck State opened the second half with momentum, trimming the deficit to four points at 44-40 after a quick 8-0 run. Dakota State answered immediately as Morgan scored inside and knocked down a key three-pointer to push the lead back to multiple possessions.
The Mystics continued to pressure behind Houston Davis and Black Jr., cutting the lead to seven several times, but DSU consistently responded with timely baskets. Morgan dominated late in the half, attacking the rim and drawing fouls to stretch the advantage back to double digits.
A late three-pointer by Pankonen and strong free-throw shooting helped seal the win as Dakota State closed out the 86-72 victory.
Dakota State Team Highlights
- Shot 59.6 percent from the field (31-of-52 field goals)
- Scored 38 points in the paint
- Finished 16-of-20 from the free-throw line (80%)
- Recorded 16 assists on 31 made baskets
- Largest lead: 16 points
Dakota State Individual Leaders
Lukas Morgan
- Career-high 34 points (11-14 field goals, 10-12 free-throws)
- 3 rebounds
Brayden Pankonen
- 17 points
- 5-of-8 from three-point range
Tyler Beckwith
- 12 points
- 7 rebounds
- 3 assists
Nathan Ojukwu
Other contributors:
Bismarck State Individual Leaders
Houston Davis
Kamayua Black Jr.
- 17 points
- 3-of-4 from three-point range
Jah Gulley
Alex Proctor added 11 points for the Mystics.
By the Numbers
| Category |
Bismarck State |
Dakota State |
| Field Goals |
25-50 (50.0%) |
31-52 (59.6%) |
| 3-Point FG |
9-22 (40.9%) |
8-22 (36.4%) |
| Free Throws |
13-18 (72.2%) |
16-20 (80.0%) |
| Rebounds |
23 |
26 |
| Assists |
10 |
16 |
| Turnovers |
14 |
11 |
| Points in Paint |
28 |
38 |
| Fast Break Points |
5 |
13 |
Up Next
Dakota State already locked the No. 6 seed for the upcoming Frontier Conference Men's Basketball Postseason Tournament. The opponent will be announced Sunday.
The Trojans will play on the second day of the quarterfinal round at Butte Civic Center in Butte, Mont., at 6 p.m. (Central Time)/5 p.m. (Mountain Time).
