Sagan Osborne – Dickinson State Sports and Marketing Information Director
Dickinson, N.D. – Dickinson State took a major step toward securing a regular-season conference title with an authoritative 81-59 victory over Jamestown on Friday night at Scott Gymnasium. The Blue Hawks improved to 15-10 overall and 10-3 in league play, seizing control of the conference race with two games remaining.
From the opening tip, Dickinson State dictated the pace, using an efficient offensive attack and stifling defense to build a commanding lead. The Blue Hawks shot 57.6% from the field in the first half and buried 10 three-pointers, creating separation early. By halftime, Dickinson State led 48-30 and never looked back.
Gus Wright spearheaded the offensive outburst, delivering a game-high 18 points on six made three-pointers. Kose Egbule provided a strong all-around effort, finishing with 14 points, six rebounds, and six assists. John Evans added 10 points and five assists, while Trey Stevens chipped in seven points and five assists to help fuel the Blue Hawks' balanced attack.
Defensively, Dickinson State shut down Jamestown's primary scoring threats and forced 11 turnovers. The Jimmies struggled to find any rhythm, shooting just 37.3% from the field and 31.6% from beyond the arc. Anthony Walters led Jamestown with 13 points, while Jimmy Llinas added 12 points and six rebounds, but their efforts were not enough to overcome the Blue Hawks' early surge.
Jamestown opened the game with a quick three-pointer, but Dickinson State responded immediately. Egbule knocked down a three of his own to even the score, and the Blue Hawks continued to attack from deep. Wright caught fire midway through the half, connecting on four three-pointers in a five-minute span. His shooting barrage helped stretch Dickinson State's lead to double digits as the Blue Hawks put together a 15-4 run.
The Blue Hawks' defensive intensity prevented Jamestown from mounting any serious challenge. Stout interior play from Cordell Stinson, who grabbed nine rebounds, limited the Jimmies' second-chance opportunities. Dickinson State also capitalized on Jamestown's mistakes, converting turnovers into 18 points on the other end.
In the second half, the Blue Hawks remained in control. They maintained a double-digit lead throughout, never allowing Jamestown to cut the deficit below 15 points. Dickinson State's ball movement created open shots, and the team continued to execute with efficiency. The Blue Hawks shot 53.6% for the game, including a 46.7% clip from three-point range, making 14 of their 30 attempts from beyond the arc.
Jamestown made a brief push midway through the second half, trimming the lead to 16 behind back-to-back baskets from Llinas and Walters. However, Dickinson State quickly responded with an 8-0 run, capped by another three from Wright. Egbule and Evans controlled the tempo in the final minutes, limiting Jamestown's fast-break opportunities and ensuring the Blue Hawks closed out the game without drama.
