VCSU falls to Mayville State in NSAA semifinals

WATERTOWN, S.D. – For the third straight year, Valley City State's season has ended in the North Star Athletic Association semifinals.

The VCSU men's basketball team put up 82 points but it wasn't enough on Saturday night as top seed Mayville State defeated the Vikings 102-82 in a physical and high-intensity semifinal game that totaled 49 fouls and 62 free throws.

Mayville State shot 52 percent overall in the game, including 62 percent in the second half to pull away. The teams traded first-half leads before the Comets took a 44-36 advantage into the locker room. The teams traded runs in the second half, but the Comets had an answer every time the Vikings would make a push.

VCSU ends its season with a 16-14 overall record. Mayville State (24-5) advances to the conference championship game Sunday at 4 p.m. in Watertown. The Comets will face either Dickinson State or Waldorf University.

Cayden Rickard knocked down four 3's and poured in a teamhigh 17 points to lead Valley City State's offensive attack. Cleveland Bedgood scored 11 points off the bench, and both Duoth Gach and Daevonte Munson scored 10.

The Vikings battled foul trouble throughout much of the first half with six players picking up two fouls – including four starters. The Vikings led by as many as six points at 25-19 after Cleveland Bedgood's basket with 8:56 remaining in the first half. Mayville State responded with a 6-0 run to tie the game and then eventually took a 44-36 lead at halftime. The first half featured seven ties and seven lead changes.

The Vikings went 6-for-10 on 3's in the first half, but cooled off with a 3-for-13 effort from deep in the second half. Mayville State held a 54-24 advantage in points in the paint.

The teams combined for 37 turnovers, including 19 by Mayville State and 18 by VCSU.

Valley City State shot 39 percent overall (2564), 39 percent on 3's (9-23) and 82 percent at the line (23-28). The Comets shot 52 percent overall (35-68), 29 percent on 3's (5-17) and 79 percent at the line (2734).

Thomas Gieske posted a 21-point, 11-rebound double-double to lead Mayville State. Joseph Winder had 19 points – including 11 free throws – and four assists.

Up next: VCSU finishes it season with a 16-14 record. Mayville State (24-5) advances to the NSAA championship game Sunday at 4 p.m. in Watertown.