BILLINGS, Mont. – The Dickinson State men's basketball team grabbed their first win of the 2021-22 season against the University of Providence (UP) in the opening game of the Green and Gold Classic, hosted by Rocky Mountain College. The Blue Hawks defeated the Argos 80-62 to climb their way to an 1-11 overall record, while UP falls to 9-5 on the year.

How It Happened –

The Blue Hawks quickly got out to a 13-point lead over the first ten minutes of the game – backed by seven different Blue Hawk scorers. Although the Argos stayed competitive and ended the first half of play on a 14-4 run to cut the Blue Hawk lead down to four as both teams entered the locker room.

Over the next 10:15 of action, the Argos were able to pour in the points as the tied the game three different times and held as much as a six-point advantage. However, DSU started their 21-2 run after an Aushanti Potts-Woods three-pointer and a Bryce Knox lay-up. With 6:00 minutes left on the clock, DSU's Jalon Tinnin got the crowd going after he stole the ball from UP's Marcus Stephens and dunked the ball home for a five-point lead. After another UP turnover on the next possession, Knox knocked down a jumper to extend the Blue Hawk lead to seven with 5:20 left to play.

DSU continued to pour in the points to extend their lead to the largest of the night on the final shot by Cody Perkins to come away with the 80-62 win. The win marks the first dub for the Blue Hawks of the season – one that was a complete team effort.

"Super proud of all our guys – whether that's the starters or teammates coming off the bench. It was a complete team win and all the credit goes to the players," stated DSU's head basketball coach Derek Selvig. "They have battled all year long and kept staying together. I can't overstate how impressed I am with our guys' togetherness."

From the Box Score –

Senior guard Bryce Knox led all DSU starters with 22 points. Teammates John Evans added 13, while Aushanti Woods-Potts and Cobe Begger added 12 and 11 respectively. From the glass, Jalon Tinnin grabbed a team-high ten boards, while Evans and Potts-Woods dished out three assists a piece.

As a team, the Blue Hawks shot a season-high 53.3 percent from the floor, 42.9 from range, and 33.3 from the foul line. The Hawks 80-point victory marks a season-high in scoring, while going 32-60 from the floor marks a season-high in made shots.

Up Next –

The Blue Hawks are back in action tomorrow against host school, Rocky Mountain College. Currently, the Battlin' Bears are sitting at a 6-6 overall record. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. in Billings.