March 13, 2026
MADISON, S.D. – Naismith quadrant's third-seeded Dakota State (S.D.) opened the NAIA Women's Basketball National Tournament with a dominant performance Friday evening, rolling past No. 14 seed Grand View (Iowa) 102-51 at the DSU Fieldhouse. The Trojans led 22-2 after the first quarter, holding the Vikings to no field goals until the early second quarter.
The Trojans lifted their overall record to 27-5. Grand View, a member of the Heart of America Athletic Conference, ended its season at 22-9 overall record.'
It was the most single-game points scored in school history for Dakota State in a NAIA national tournament contest.
How it happened
Dakota State opened the contest with suffocating defense and transition scoring, racing to a 19-0 run midway through the first quarter before Grand View got on the board. The Trojans led 22-2 after the first quarter, holding the Vikings to 0-for-13 shooting during the opening period.
The Trojans continued their momentum in the second quarter behind strong perimeter shooting and fast-break offense. Dakota State extended the lead to 48-22 at halftime, shooting efficiently while forcing Grand View into turnovers that led to easy points in transition.
Both teams shot 50 percent in the second quarter, with DSU at 11-of-22 from the field and GVU with 8-of-16 field goals. The Vikings committed seven turnovers in the second period.
Dakota State maintained control in the third quarter, pushing the margin past 40 points. The Trojans outscored the Vikings 27-15 in the third period and led 75-37 entering the final quarter.
The Trojans continued their depth and defensive pressure in the fourth quarter, eventually building their largest lead of 51 points before closing out the 102-51 victory. It was the fifth time this season that DSU scored over 100 points.
Dakota State dominated several statistical categories, including points in the paint (68-16), fast-break points (33-6), second-chance points (24-3) and bench scoring (47-16).
Team Statistics
| Category |
Grand View |
Dakota State |
| Field Goals |
19-61 (31.1%) |
43-86 (50.0%) |
| 3-Point FG |
4-16 (25.0%) |
9-24 (37.5%) |
| Free Throws |
9-11 (81.8%) |
7-15 (46.7%) |
| Rebounds |
36 |
53 |
| Assists |
11 |
24 |
| Turnovers |
28 |
12 |
| Points in the Paint |
16 |
68 |
Dakota State Leaders
Dakota State placed six players in double figures, highlighting the team's balanced offensive attack.
Grand View Leaders
- Anna Gossling – 17 points
- Ellie Knock – 9 points, 4 rebounds
- Addalyn Rooney – 6 points
- Lily Smith – 5 points
Game Notes
- The Trojans shot 50 percent from the field (43-of-86 field goals) compared to 31 percent for Grand View (19-of-61 field goals).
- DSU forced 28 turnovers and converted them into 30 points.
- Dakota State recorded 53 rebounds and 24 assists in the victory.
Up Next
Dakota State faces No. 11 seed Bethel (Kan.), who upset No. 6 seed Concordia (Neb.) 78-76 in the nightcap. The game is set to tip off at 6 p.m. at DSU Fieldhouse, with the winner moving on to the Round of 16 on Thursday in Sioux City, Iowa, at the Tyson Events Center.
Post-Game Interviews
