March 23, 2026

SIOUX CITY, Iowa - Naismith Quadrant champion Dakota State's (S.D.) season ended Monday evening as two-time defending national champion Dordt (Iowa) used a dominant first quarter and interior presence to pull away for an 83-69 victory at the Tyson Events Center.

Dakota State made their second NAIA national semifinal appearance in school history (first time in 2023) and their 12^th overall appearance in the NAIA national tournament.
How It Happened
Dordt set the tone immediately, jumping out to a 25-11 first-quarter lead behind efficient shooting and second-chance opportunities. The Defenders shot 43.5 percent in the opening period and capitalized on multiple offensive rebounds to create early separation.

Dakota State struggled offensively early, shooting just 21.4 percent (3-of-14 field goals) in the first quarter, but settled in during the second period. The Trojans trimmed the deficit to 39-29 at halftime, highlighted by a late three from Mackenzi Simmons to close the half.

Coming out of the break, both teams traded blows in a high-scoring third quarter. Dakota State posted 25 points in the third, their best scoring frame, with contributions from Caitlin Dyer and Cierra Watkins. However, Dordt matched the surge with 24 points of its own, maintaining a nine-point advantage.

The Trojans made one final push midway through the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to 67-63, but Dordt responded with a quick 10-0 scoring run fueled by transition scoring and interior finishes to seal the game.
Key Team Stats

• Field Goal Percentage:
  • DSU: 38.2 percent (26-of-68 field goals)
  • Dordt: 47.4 percent (36-of-76 field goals)
• 3-Point Shooting:
  • DSU: 37.9 percent (11-of-29 3-point field goals)
  • Dordt: 12.5 percent (1-of-8 3-point field goals)
• Rebounds:
  • DSU: 37 (13 offensive)
  • Dordt: 48 (17 offensive)
• Turnovers:
  • DSU: 19
  • Dordt: 13
• Points off Turnovers:
  • DSU: 13
  • Dordt: 25
• Points in the Paint:
  • DSU: 24
  • Dordt: 40
• Fast Break Points:
  • DSU: 6
  • Dordt: 22

Dakota State Leaders

• Tabor Teel – 16 points, 8 rebounds, 6 blocks, 4 assists
• Cierra Watkins – 12 points, 4 rebounds, 2 blocks, 2 steals
• Bria Wasmund – 11 points, 4 assists, 3 steals
• Mackenzi Simmons – 10 points (2-of-6 3-point field goals)
• Caitlin Dyer – 7 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals
• Ella Carstensen – 7 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists

Dordt Leaders

• Gracie Schoonhoven – 34 points (14-of-25 field goals), 6 rebounds, 4 steals
• Macy Sievers – 24 points, 14 rebounds, 11 assists (triple-double), 6 steals
• Desta Hoogendoorn – 8 points, 10 rebounds

School Records

Dakota State finishes the season with 30 wins, the most in program history. Dordt raises their overall record to 34-2.

Tabor Teel

• Career Records
  • Points – 1393 – 8^th
  • Rebounds – 893 – 3^rd
  • Blocks – 174 – 5^th
  • Field Goals Made – 536 – 6^th
  • Field Goal Percentage – 50.6 percent (536-of-1060) – 12^th
  • Free Throws Made – 251 – 9^th
• Single Season Records
  • Points – 603 – T-1^st
  • Rebounds – 378 – 1^st
  • Assists – 135 – 7^th
  • Blocks – 67 – 10^th
  • Field Goals Made – 234 – 2^nd

Bria Wasmund

• Career Record
  • Assists – 307 – 9^th
• Single Season Records
  • Assists – 129 – 10^th
  • 3-Point Field Goals Made – 70 – T-6^th

Team Records

• Total Points – 2,969 – 1^st
• Points Per Game Average – 82.5 – 2^nd

Coaching Records

• David Moe – 199 wins – 2^nd
• Career Winning Percentage - .677 (199-95) – 1^st