OMAHA, Neb. — Doane shot 58.5% from the field and scored 56 points in the paint Friday afternoon as Dickinson State fell 79-53 in its 2026-27 men's basketball season opener at the Bellevue Classic inside BU Fieldhouse.
The Blue Hawks (0-1) struggled offensively in the first half and trailed by 20 at the break. Junior transfer Adesoye Onaleye provided a bright spot in his Dickinson State debut, scoring all 20 of his team-high points after halftime while making all nine of his second-half field goal attempts.
Onaleye, a 6-foot-4 guard from Houston who joined the Blue Hawks from Dawson Community College, finished 9-of-14 from the field with six rebounds, two steals and a blocked shot. After going 0-for-5 in the opening half, he accounted for 20 of Dickinson State's 33 second-half points.
Dickinson State briefly held the lead in the opening minute when Aric Winczewski knocked down a 3-pointer to put the Blue Hawks ahead 3-2. Doane answered on its next possession and never trailed again, using its interior scoring and defensive pressure to build separation.
The Tigers (1-0) took a 40-20 lead into halftime after holding Dickinson State to 8-of-27 shooting, including 2-of-13 from beyond the arc. The Blue Hawks also committed 12 first-half turnovers, limiting their opportunities to establish an offensive rhythm.
Dickinson State found more success after the break, improving to 40.6% shooting in the second half and connecting on five 3-pointers. Onaleye led the effort, repeatedly finishing around the basket while helping the Blue Hawks generate more offense than they had in the opening 20 minutes.
Doane, however, continued to capitalize on its opportunities, shooting 17-of-24 (70.8%) in the second half to prevent Dickinson State from making a significant dent in the deficit.
Onaleye converted a transition layup with 6:35 remaining and followed with a 3-pointer at the 5:54 mark to bring Dickinson State within 67-48. Freshman Boston Cranston later connected from beyond the arc to make it 69-51, but the Tigers closed the game on a 10-2 run to secure the victory.
Doane finished 31-of-53 from the field and held a 56-26 advantage in points in the paint. The Tigers also outrebounded Dickinson State 36-28 and converted the Blue Hawks' 18 turnovers into 19 points.
Dickinson State shot 35.6% overall and made 7-of-30 attempts from 3-point range. The Blue Hawks recorded 13 assists and 10 steals, with Britton Cranston and Boston Cranston collecting three steals apiece.
Freshman Reggie Rice added eight points off the bench, connecting on two 3-pointers. Britton Cranston and Boston Cranston each contributed seven points.
Trevon Beckman led Doane with 20 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 7-of-10 from the field and making all six of his free throws. Beckman was also perfect from the floor after halftime, making all six attempts while scoring 12 second-half points. Jonan Claussen added 13 points, Justus Gardiner finished with 11 and Jack Wilson contributed eight points and seven rebounds.
Dickinson State will look to rebound Saturday when it concludes the Bellevue Classic against Bethany College (Kan.). Tip-off is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Mountain at BU Fieldhouse in Omaha.
