Valley City State Women's Basketball Defeats MSU-Northern

Vikings rally for 78-74 win over Lights, led by JayCee Richter's 24 points

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Valley City State University women's basketball team earned an impressive 78-74 road victory over MSU-Northern on Saturday. The Vikings had an explosive first quarter, scoring 26 points, and were led by JayCee Richter's career-high 24 points. Ellie Braaten and Olivia Backus also scored 15 points each for VCSU. The win kept the Vikings in contention for a conference tournament berth, as they trail Bismarck State by one game for the final playoff spot.

Why it matters

The Vikings' victory over a team receiving votes in the latest poll demonstrates their competitiveness in the conference race. With a crucial matchup against Bismarck State upcoming, this win could prove pivotal in VCSU's quest to secure a postseason tournament berth.

The details

Valley City State had an outstanding first quarter, scoring 26 points to take an early lead. Though they faced a tough third quarter, the Vikings were able to rally and secure the 78-74 win. JayCee Richter led the way with a career-high 24 points, while Ellie Braaten and Olivia Backus each added 15 points.

  • The Vikings defeated MSU-Northern on Saturday, February 8, 2026.
  • VCSU will face Bismarck State next Saturday, February 15, 2026.

The players

JayCee Richter

A key player for the Valley City State women's basketball team, Richter scored a career-high 24 points in the win over MSU-Northern.

Ellie Braaten

A sharp-shooting guard for the Vikings, Braaten scored 15 points and hit four three-pointers in the victory.

Olivia Backus

Backus also contributed 15 points to the Vikings' winning effort against MSU-Northern.

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What they’re saying

“The latest Viking road trip to Montana netted an impressive win for the Viking women Saturday.”

— Ryan Cunningham, Reporter (NewsDakota.com)

What’s next

The Vikings will face a crucial matchup against Bismarck State next Saturday, February 15, 2026, with the final conference tournament berth on the line.

The takeaway

Valley City State's women's basketball team has proven its competitiveness in the conference race, securing an impressive road victory over a highly-ranked opponent. This win keeps the Vikings in contention for a postseason tournament berth, setting the stage for a pivotal showdown with Bismarck State in the coming week.