Dakota State University relied on a balanced offense and relentless effort on the glass as they handed the Mayville State University men's basketball team its' first loss of the 2011-12 season.  Four Trojans hit double figures on offense with two others scoring nine points.  Jesse Bean, Donald Stewart and Luke Lamb all scored 15 points to lead Dakota State offensively. 

            Mayville State was led by freshman guard Matt Bauduin with 18 points, five rebounds, two assists, and one steal.  The guard from East Grand Forks, Minnesota played well in a very physical game.  He did a lot of damage from the free throw line as he attacked the rim hard and converted on 10-of-11 free throw attempts. 

            Bryen Pyles came off the bench for Mayville State and scored 10 points to follow Bauduin offensively.  Pyles pushed the ball up the court well and tried to get the Comets out in the open court to make plays. 

            The bench was limited in this game as Brady Robbins didn't play due to an injury suffered in the game with Oglala Lakota College.  That limited depth on top of the play of Dakota State didn't work in the Comets favor.

            Tonight was just one of those games when a lot of good looks weren't going in for the Comets.  Against a team like Dakota State, you won't be in a position to win late in the game when that happens.  The Trojans defensive effort and control of the glass won this game for them.  They out-rebounded Mayville State 40-31 while holding them to 31% shooting from the floor. 

            Mayville State did do a good job forcing turnovers as Dakota State committed 21 of those during the game.  They also shot very well from the free throw line making 23-of-25 shots from the charity stripe. 

            Dakota State shot the lights out from the three point line in this game which is usually a good recipe for success to win on the road.  The Trojans knocked down 8-of-18 three point shots compared to the Comets going just 2-for-12.  They did all the things you have to do to win on the road, and did just that. 

            Mayville State University (4-1) will travel to Mitchell, SD on Tuesday, November 8^th 2011 to take on Dakota Wesleyan University (SD) at 7:00 p.m.  The men won't be at home again until November 15^th, 2011 when they host Trinity Bible College.