Big second-half run sparks DSU win over Bruins, 70-62

Box Score
NSAA Standings

DICKINSON, N.D. -- Dickinson State used a 14-point second-half run to overcome a nine-point deficit as the Blue Hawks earned a 70-62 victory over Bellevue University Friday night in North Star Athletic Association men's basketball action at Scott Gymnasium. 

The loss dropped the Bruins to 9-8 on the season and 1-1 in the NSAA. DSU improved to 4-12 overall and 1-1 in league play. 

Vinny Belcaster led the Bruins with a career-high 28 points on 9-of-20 shooting from the field. He was 3-of-7 from behind the arc and connected on 7-of-8 free throw attempts. 

Paulo Araujo added 12 points and five rebounds. 

Justin Motley recorded his second double-double of the season, finishing with 10 points and 11 rebounds.  

Jalon Tinnin paced the Blue Hawks with 16 points, five rebounds, and two steals. Travon Hamilton added 12 points and a pair of boards. Bryce Knox chipped in with 11 points, three steals, and a pair of boards. 

The Bruins were plagued by 24 turnovers in the loss as DSU scored 22 points off of BU miscues.  

Sparked by 12 points from Belcaster, the Bruins established an early 20-11 lead midway through the first half. 

The Blue Hawks responded with an 8-2 run to close the gap to three at 22-19 at the eight-minute mark. A 4-0 spurt by DSU tied the contest at 25-all at the 4:30 mark. 

The two teams traded baskets for the remainder of the half until Knox nailed a pair of free throws with three seconds remaining to give the Blue Hawks a 34-32 at the intermission. 

The Bruins were led in the first half by Belcaster with 12 points and four rebounds. Araujo added eight points and three boards. 

Tinnin (8) and Knox (6) combined for 14 points to pace DSU in the opening half.  

A 3-point play by Belcaster pushed the Bruin advantage to six points at 47-41 with 16 minutes left in the game. Four-straight points from Araujo gave BU an eight-point lead (51-43) at the 13-minute mark. 

After a triple by Belcaster made it a nine-point game, the Blue Hawks battled back and scored 14-straight points to take a 61-56 lead with five minutes remaining. 

Four free throws from Belcaster made it a two-point contest at 62-60 at the three-minute mark.  

Buckets by John Evans and Knox as well as four DSU free throws in the final minute secured the 70-62 Blue Hawk victory.  

The Bruins head to Valley City, N.D. on Saturday (Jan. 8) for a 5 p.m. matchup against Valley City State University.