MINOT, N.D. – Minot State University has dug itself some pretty big holes early in games this season.

Wednesday night against rival Dickinson State, the big deficit – and a parade to the free throw line – proved to be too big.

Dickinson State built a big early lead, withstood a MSU charge and pulled away late to earn an 86-65 win in Dakota Athletic Conference men's basketball Wednesday at the MSU Dome.

“We had a lot of one-on-one stuff early that led to bad shots, which led to bad defense, which led a big hole,” said MSU head coach Peter Stewart. “I am not a big believer in warm-ups because it isn't how you warm up, it's how you come out focused on a job and how you do your job.”

The Blue Hawks (8-4 DAC, 15-11 overall) shot 67.7 percent from the floor in the first half, making 6 of 8 3-pointers to jump out to an early lead. Even with a Minot State charge late in the first, the Hawks still had a 44-31 leads at intermission.

MSU (5-7, 11-15) cut the lead to eight a couple of times in the first six minutes of the second half, but three technicals – two on Stewart – and the subsequent free throws derailed any comeback.

“We can still get there. I truly believe in these guys and maybe there was a little method to our madness, we'll see,” Stewart said. “But we have to man up. We have to get tougher.”

Free throws were key for the Blue Hawks throughout the game – and the two-game regular season series between the clubs – as they went to the line 37 times. DiSU hit 29 foul shots, taking an 11-point scoring advantage on free throws. In two games against the Beavers this season, DSU has shot 79 free throws. MSU was called for 29 fouls on Wednesday night.

“You know, we got beat by a better basketball club tonight and now we have to move on,” Stewart said.

Nate Lebsock led the way for DSU with a game-high 26 points, hitting 11 of 12 from the line. Matt Lee scored 22 points and Tevin Hurd added 11.

The Beavers got 14 points from Kelvin Fraser (Jr., F, Brooklyn, N.Y.) and 13 apiece from Jason West (Sr., G, Lompoc, Calif.) and Anthony Enriquez (Jr., G, Tacoma, Wash.). Jonas Pollard (Jr., G, Mesa, Ariz.) led MSU with six rebounds and added six points in the loss.

Minot State ends the regular season at home Feb. 18 and 19 as they play host to conference leader Black Hills State Friday (7:30 p.m.) and South Dakota Mines Saturday (6 p.m.). Friday is a “Green Out” and Saturday will mark the final regular season game for MSU in their history in the DAC. The Beavers are moving to NCAA Division II status and will not play in the league next year.

“There are opportunities ahead,” Stewart said. “We have a chance to go out in the conference with two wins for the seniors and to show the redshirts what needs to be done. We have played with the top teams in the conference and beat the top team (BHSU), so we know we can play with them.”