Sagan Osborne – Dickinson State Sports & Marketing Information Director
Dillon, Mont. — Dickinson State delivered a strong first half but could not sustain their momentum in the second, falling to Montana Western, 75-68, in nonconference action Friday night.
The Blue Hawks (2-4) came out firing, shooting 57.6% from the field in the opening half, including 46.2% from three-point range, to build a commanding 49-37 halftime lead. John Evans paced the offense, scoring 22 points on 7-of-15 shooting, including four three-pointers. Forward Cordell Stinson added 12 points and eight rebounds, while Kose Egbule contributed nine points and seven boards.
Montana Western (5-2) responded decisively in the second half, outscoring Dickinson State 38-19. The Bulldogs were led by Kyle Gruhler, who tallied 22 points and nine rebounds, and Alan Kane, who scored 17 points while shooting 8-of-13 from the floor. The Bulldogs locked down defensively, holding the Blue Hawks to just 17.6% shooting in the second half and 29.4% from three-point range overall.
The Blue Hawks left opportunities at the free-throw line, hitting only 8-of-18 attempts for 44.4%, proving to be a difference in the contest.
Evans opened the second half with a three-pointer to extend the Blue Hawks' lead to 15, but Montana Western quickly shifted momentum with a 15-2 run, cutting the deficit to two points midway through the period. Gruhler's dominant play in the paint and Kane's timely jumpers kept the Bulldogs in control as they pulled away in the final minutes.
Trey Stevens and Weston Zacher each added eight points for the Blue Hawks, with Stevens dishing out two assists. Jaiden Wright chipped in with six points off the bench, providing a spark in the first half.
