NEW TOWN, N.D. — Dickinson State battled Lewis-Clark State to a first-quarter tie Saturday, but a strong second quarter propelled the Warriors to a 76-54 victory over the Blue Hawks at the 4 Bears Casino & Lodge Classic inside the 4 Bears Event Center.
The Blue Hawks (2-1) held their own through the opening 10 minutes before Lewis-Clark State (3-3) outscored Dickinson State 25-10 in the second quarter to build a 38-23 halftime advantage. Makena Hauge led Dickinson State with her first double-double of the season, finishing with 10 points and 13 rebounds, including six offensive boards.
Dickinson State showed early promise against the Warriors, overcoming an 11-7 deficit behind five consecutive points from Izzy Kelly. Kelly knocked down a 3-pointer to tie the game before adding a jumper to give the Blue Hawks a 13-11 lead with 1:21 remaining. Lewis-Clark State answered to send the teams into the second quarter tied at 13.
The Blue Hawks remained within striking distance early in the second, trailing just 19-17 following a J'Elle Garfield jumper with 7:13 remaining. Lewis-Clark State then took control with a 14-1 run, extending its lead to 33-18. The Warriors shot 71.4% from the field in the quarter, connecting on 10 of 14 attempts, including five 3-pointers.
Dickinson State continued to compete after halftime, with Garfield connecting from beyond the arc to cut the deficit to 40-28 early in the third quarter. Lewis-Clark State responded with nine unanswered points and carried a 57-35 lead into the fourth.
The Blue Hawks scored 19 points in the final period, matching the Warriors' output. Karson Tempel and Annabel Scheeler each connected from beyond the arc in the closing minutes as Dickinson State scored nine of the game's final 11 points.
Hauge provided a consistent presence on the glass throughout the afternoon. Her 13 rebounds came just two weeks after she established a career high with 14 against Cottey College. The senior also knocked down two 3-pointers and collected a season-high six offensive rebounds.
Kelly finished with nine points and a season-high seven rebounds, while Garfield added nine points. Tempel contributed seven points and tied Jirah Villanueva for the team lead with three assists. Scheeler and Villanueva chipped in five points apiece.
Dickinson State held a 37-27 rebounding advantage, including 15 offensive rebounds, and received 24 points from its bench. The Blue Hawks shot 29% from the field, while Lewis-Clark State finished at 54.2% and held a 40-6 advantage in points in the paint.
Darian Herring led the Warriors with 18 points and seven assists, while Kaylee Cordle added 16 points on 8-of-11 shooting. Kendall Wallace contributed 12 points, connecting on four 3-pointers.
"There were definitely some positives today," head coach Keithan Gregg said. "We just need to string more of those positives together. Lewis-Clark State is a good team, and we'll learn from today and keep building."
The Blue Hawks return to action Saturday, Nov. 14, when they travel to Jamestown, N.D., to face the University of Jamestown in another exhibition contest. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. Mountain.
