The Dakota State University men’s basketball team completed an impressive second-half comeback Tuesday night, defeating Dordt University 79-71 at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls.

Dordt controlled much of the first half, building an 11-point advantage and taking a 44-33 lead into halftime.

However, the Trojans came out strong in the second half, outscoring the Defenders 46-27 to erase the deficit and secure the eight-point victory.

Tyler Beckworth helped lead Dakota State’s comeback with 13 points, while strong interior play and improved second-half execution fueled the Trojans’ rally.

The victory gave Dakota State a split in Tuesday’s doubleheader against Dordt, following the women’s team’s 98-64 loss earlier in the evening.

The third-ranked Dakota State University women’s basketball team suffered a 98-64 loss to seventh-ranked Dordt University Tuesday night at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls.

Dordt took control early, opening the game with a 9-0 run and building a 24-11 lead after the first quarter. The Defenders continued their momentum into the second quarter, taking a commanding 54-27 advantage into halftime.

Dordt shot an impressive 61.2 percent from the field, while Dakota State was held to 33.3 percent. The Trojans also committed 22 turnovers, which Dordt converted into 32 points.

Cierra Watkins led Dakota State with 11 points, while Caitlin Dyer added 10 points and four steals.

With the loss, Dakota State falls to 1-5 overall, while Dordt improves to 5-0. The matchup marked the Trojans’ final non-conference game of the season.