WINONA, Minn. – The Winona State Warriors (2-0) took on the St. Mary's Cardinals in the 89th overall meeting between the neighboring schools. The Warriors bested the Cardinals from start to finish separating more as the game went on, ultimately winning 90-52.

A brief three-point lead for the Cardinals to begin play was extinguished by an eight-point Warrior run, sparked by a Corey Jeffs layup. Charlie Koontz and Kyle Bauman would both connect from three, giving Winona State a five-point advantage.

Quashingm Smith-Pugh's free throw for St. Mary's preceded a two-minute scoring drought that was brought to an abrupt end as Connor Flack scored the game's next six points: extending the Winona State lead to ten. 

A triple from James Cullen threatened the Warriors lead until Koontz followed his layup with a blocked shot at the other end. WSU transitioned down the court setting up Bauman for a layup extending the advantage to ten. The run continued as Isaiah Gray, Bauman and Bambenek all contributed during the run pushing Winona State's advantage to 17 points.

Both sides exchanged points with time expiring in the first half of play as the Warriors entered half time up 36-19. Winona State shot better in all aspects in the first half including more than doubling St. Mary's field goal percentage. WSU shot 15-27 compared to the Cardinals 7-28. The Warriors also had the advantage in rebounds 22-13, blocks 2-0, and steals 6-2. 

Bauman had 11 points, which was a first half high for either side, paired with a block and three rebounds. Gray followed with eight points as he ended the half scoring six of the team's final eight points.

The Warriors came out firing to begin the second half; scoring 11 of the half's first 13 points. WSU continued to build their advantage as layups from Josh Mongan and Flack; followed by a three from Bambenek extended the lead to 31.

With under a minute remaining back-to-back three point plays; a three from Jeffs and a layup followed with a made free throw by Caleb Wagner gave Winona State a dominant 90-52 win. 

Quick Hitters: 
Winona State had a big advantage in both field goal and three-point percentage leading 55.9-29.6 and 40.9-25 percent. 
Winona State also led 9-4 in steals and doubled the Cardinals rebounds 50-25.
Bauman led all scorers with 17 points and tied with Tommy Gathje at seven rebounds.
Gathje added 10 points to his rebound total.
Bambenek was second with 15 points and was followed by Flack with 13.
Gray and Jeffs also reached double digits with 11 and 10 points.
The Warriors travel to face Kentucky Wesleyan Friday tip-off is set for 3:15.

By: Jake Thiede