Warriors Take Conference Win Over Dickinson State, 89-79

FOREST CITY, IA – The Waldorf University Men's Basketball Team opened the home portion of its 2023-24 conference slate in style, defeating Dickinson State, 89-79, in North Star Athletic Association (NSAA) action at Hanson Fieldhouse Friday night.

Waldorf had its best three point shooting performance of the season, draining 13 of 24 from downtown for 52.4 percent.  Conversely, the Warrior defense held Dickinson State to just 6 of 24, or 25 percent, from beyond the arc.

After Dickinson (12-8, 3-2 NSAA) grabbed an early 6-5 lead, the Warriors (7-12, 2-3 NSAA) took full command over an impressive 23-7 run spanning seven minutes of action.  The run started on a made three-pointer by senior guard Khyle Washington (Atlanta, GA) and featured a thunderous slam dunk by junior center Ugo Ejiofor (Dallas, TX).  By its end, the Warriors had their largest lead at 28-13 with 8:45 left in the half following a bookending three by junior guard Gabriel Sorensen (West Haven, UT).

The Blue Hawks were able to respond, erasing most of the early deficit.  The margin stood at 45-41 at the halftime intermission. 

Dickinson continued to battle into the second half, tying the contest at 64 with 10:33 remaining.  While the Warriors did not relinquish the lead, Dickinson kept the game close and cut the Waldorf lead to 76-72 with just 4:22 remaining in regulation.  With the game on the line, junior guard Khalil Grayson (Milwaukee, WI) drained back-to-back three pointers to create separation and a three-possession Warrior lead that would help carry them to the finish.

"This was a really good win for us tonight," said Waldorf Head Coach Nigel Jenkins.  "I thought we played well from the start, especially on the defensive end.  We did a great job rebounding and it helped to not give them second chance opportunities.  Dickinson State is a really good team and they did not lay down and made some runs on us.  I am proud of the way we responded to those runs."

Waldorf dominated the glass, outrebounding Dickinson by a 44-25 margin.  The Warriors also claimed a 35-26 edge in bench scoring.

Waldorf had four scorers in double figures, led by Grayson's 20.  In 26 minutes off the bench, Grayson shot 7 for 11 from the floor and four of five from downtown.  Washington posted a double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds to go along with five assists and two steals.  Junior guard Justin Wiggins (West Palm Beach, FL) scored 15 points on 6 of 12 shooting – including three made triples -- in 22 minutes off the bench.  Junior guard Kaelon Harkema (Louisville, KY) added 13 points.

"It was a good win tonight, but we have to make sure we are ready for another battle against Valley City State," Jenkins said. 

Waldorf finishes its first home weekend on the North Star circuit when it plays host to Valley City Saturday.  Tipoff is slated for 5 p.m. at Hanson Fieldhouse.