Havre, Mont. – Dickinson State captured a big non-conference 79-69 road victory over Montana State-Northern on Monday night at the Armory Gym. The Blue Hawks used a dominant second-half performance to overcome a two-point halftime deficit and pick up the win over their future Frontier Conference rival.

Dickinson State (2-3) capitalized on strong shooting and rebounding to outlast the Lights (1-4). After trailing 30-28 at halftime, the Blue Hawks surged in the second half, outscoring Montana State-Northern 51-39.

"It was a gutsy effort by our team," said Head Coach Derek Selvig. "I love the fact we are so deep and can rely on so many guys in big moments. We never know who's going to step up each night and give us a spark. These guys play so hard for each other and celebrate each others' success. It's a lot of fun to be a part of. No quit in these guys!"

Leading the way for Dickinson State was senior guard Aidan Fishell, who came off the bench to deliver a game-high 21 points. Fishell shot 5-of-7 from the field and converted 10-of-11 free throw attempts while also grabbing five rebounds.

The Blue Hawks' frontcourt also had a strong game, with Kose Egbule registering a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds. Egbule's defensive presence also included a block and a steal. Cordell Stinson chipped in 11 rebounds and six points, anchoring a Dickinson State squad that outrebounded the Lights 33-25.

Offensively, Dickinson State showcased balanced scoring. Bradyn Palmer added 17 points on an efficient 8-of-11 shooting, while Trey Stevens scored 14 points, including 2-6 from long range. The team shot 53.7% from the field and made 17 of 21 free throws.

Montana State-Northern kept the game close behind a strong performance from Raefe McEnroe, who led the Lights with 14 points. Leon Sayers IV contributed 15 points and six rebounds, and Cinque Maxwell added 16 points. The Lights shot 45.9% from the floor and connected on seven three-pointers, but their efforts were not enough to overcome the Blue Hawks' second-half push.

The game featured four ties and two lead changes, with Montana State-Northern holding its largest lead of six points midway through the first half. Dickinson State responded with a series of key plays to reclaim momentum, highlighted by Fishell's efficient scoring and Egbule's physical play inside. The Blue Hawks outscored the Lights 38-30 in the paint and generated 12 points off turnovers.

Key moments in the second half included a three-pointer by Stevens that gave Dickinson State a 46-38 lead with just under 15 minutes remaining. From there, the Blue Hawks maintained control, using timely scoring and defensive stops to stay in front.

DSU also limited turnovers, committing just eight, while forcing the Lights into nine giveaways.