BELLEVUE, Neb. – Dickinson State returned to the win column Saturday afternoon with a 73-58 victory over Ozark Christian in the Fairfield Inn & Suites Downtown Classic, hosted by Bellevue University. The win moves the Blue Hawks to 2-2 on the season.
Griffyn Doughty, one of three starters to reach double figures, led DSU with 15 points on 5-of-15 shooting, including three 3-pointers. The Blue Hawks relied on a balanced team effort, finishing with 36 bench points and holding a decisive 49-30 advantage on the boards.
After briefly trailing 2-1 early, Dickinson State responded with a 14-2 run and never trailed again. DSU held Ozark Christian to 27.6% shooting in the first half and took a 33-18 lead into the locker room. The Blue Hawks led by as many as 18 late in the opening period.
"We had more focus today on defense," head coach Derek Selvig said. "Offensively we weren't as sharp as Friday. However, a win is a win and we have some good things to focus on this week."
Doughty added two assists and a steal in 28 minutes. Aric Winczewski and Weston Zacher each scored 11 points off the bench, with both hitting three 3-pointers. Quincy Linton contributed 10 points on a perfect 4-for-4 from the field while adding four assists, three steals, and two rebounds.
Nate Visentin recorded nine points and a game-high 10 rebounds, going 4-for-4 from the floor. Isaiah Vargas chipped in nine points and three boards. Michael Nance added three points and five rebounds, while DC Stewart collected five defensive rebounds in 20 minutes.
As a team, Dickinson State shot 45.9% from the field and 32.4% (11-for-34) from three-point range. The Blue Hawks assisted on 17 of their 28 made field goals and turned 11 offensive rebounds into 15 second-chance points.
Ozark Christian (0-3) outscored DSU 40-40 in the second half but never closed the gap to single digits. The Ambassadors were led by Curtis Davenport with 14 points and Eric Dillinger with 11. They were held to just 2-of-12 shooting from three-point range and went 6-for-15 from the free throw line.
