By Scott Barker, Communications and Sports Information Intern

POINT LOOKOUT, Mo. – (Box Score | Bracket) Scrappy was the word used most for the first game on Thursday morning. No 6-seed Valley City State (N.D.) (22-10) prevailed 65 - 64 over No. 3-seed Tennessee Wesleyan (28-4).

The entire game was fast paced action. Tennessee Wesleyan jumped out to an eight-point lead to start the game. Devante Jenkins made a three-point field goal from a Tre Tiller pass to give the Bulldogs an early 10-2 lead.

Tennessee Wesleyan used a 10-0 run from the 13:03 mark to 7:58 left to extend its lead to 15.

Valley City State went on an 8-0 run to cut the deficit down to seven before trailing 36-27 at the half.

The Bulldogs shot 36 percent (14-of-38) from the field and the Vikings shot 43 percent (10-of-23).

The two teams combined for 26 turnovers in the first half.

For most of the second half Tennessee Wesleyan was able to keep the lead. Valley City State took its first lead of the game on a Darryl Howell free throw with 1:52 left in the game.

Tennessee Wesleyan regained the lead with 30 seconds later on a layup by Leland Robinson.

With the Vikings down one, Ellwood Ellenson was fouled and send to the line for two shots. Ellenson made both and sent the Vikings to the second round.

Valley City State ended the game on a 14-2 run.

For the game, Tennessee Wesleyan shot 40 percent (26-of-64) from the field and 22 percent (6-of-27) from beyond the 3-point line.

The Vikings connected on 24-of-47 shots (51 percent) and 3-of-11 from distance.

Both teams combined for 40 turnovers.

Valley City State advances to the second round and will take on the winner of the No. 2-seed Tabor (Kan.) vs. No. 7-seed IU East (Ind.) game that takes place at noon Thursday.