Sagan Osborne – Dickinson State Sports & Marketing Information Director
Mayville, N.D. - Dickinson State struggled to find an offensive rhythm in a 67-46 loss to Mayville State on Friday at the Lewy Lee Fieldhouse. The Blue Hawks were unable to overcome a second-quarter surge by the Comets and dropped to 5-8 overall and 0-2 in conference play.
The game opened competitively, with both teams trading baskets in the first quarter. Dickinson State held Mayville State to 25% shooting, but turnovers allowed the Comets to take a narrow 14-13 lead at the end of the period. Samantha Oase provided a strong start for the Blue Hawks, scoring six of her team-high 16 points in the first quarter.
Mayville State took control in the second quarter, outscoring Dickinson State 25-7. The Blue Hawks shot just 20% in the frame while the Comets capitalized on turnovers and fast-break opportunities. Mackenzie Hughes led the charge for Mayville State, hitting two three-pointers and scoring eight points in the quarter. The Comets went into halftime with a 39-20 lead.
Dickinson State showed resilience in the third quarter, outscoring Mayville State 16-15. Katherine Fox and Anhelica Shanrock each hit three-pointers, while Oase continued to dominate inside with four points and three rebounds in the period. The Blue Hawks cut into the deficit but still trailed 54-36 heading into the final quarter.
In the fourth, Mayville State's defense clamped down, holding Dickinson State to just 10 points on 12.5% shooting. Despite efforts from Oase and Fox, the Comets extended their lead with strong performances from Jes Mertens and Annika Reierson, who combined for six points in the final period.
Oase led the Blue Hawks with a double-double, finishing with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Fox added eight points and four rebounds, while Shanrock contributed five points and two steals. Dickinson State struggled with turnovers throughout the game, committing 26, which Mayville State converted into 16 points.
The Blue Hawks shot 25.9% from the field and 28.6% from three-point range, while the Comets finished at 38.1% and 25.8%, respectively. Mayville State held a decisive edge in points in the paint, 30-10, and outscored the Blue Hawks 12-6 in fast-break points.
Hughes paced Mayville State with 19 points, including three three-pointers, and Mertens added 13 points, three assists, and seven steals. The Comets improved to 11-4 overall and 1-2 in conference play with the victory.
