WINONA, Minn. – Winona State (6-5, 3-4 NSIC) got back in the win column on Friday night, beating Minnesota Crookston (5-7, 1-5 NSIC) 64-41. The Warriors scored 36 points in the paint on the night.
Isaiah Gray had his first career double-double, scoring 18 points and grabbing ten rebounds.
The Golden Eagles got off to a good start, taking an 11-4 lead into the first media timeout. Crookston made five of their first nine shots from the field. By the time the second media timeout was issued the Warriors had taken the lead, 15-14, thanks to six points from
Tommy Gathje.
The Warriors would continue to score out of the under ten media timeout, while the Golden Eagles struggled offensively. By the time the buzzer sounded for the third media timeout of the half, WSU led 23-14. Crookston would be held without a field goal for over five minutes in the first half.
Winona State would push their lead to 12 by the time the first half ended. After starting 5-9 from the field the Golden Eagles were held to just 3-18 in the final 15 minutes of the first half. The Warriors held a 7-2 lead in second chance points in the first half and led 30-18 at the break.
With the second half underway the Warriors continued to extend their lead; going up 15 with less than 15 minutes to play. Winona State would lead by as much as 22 in the second half before the Golden Eagles made a run. Minnesota Crookston cut the deficit to nine with 1:18 left in the game. The late run would not be enough and the Warriors hung on for the 64-51 victory.
Gray's ten rebounds was a new career best for the senior guard. Gathje continued to put the ball in basket, finishing the night with 12 points.
Corey Jeffs and
Riley Bambenek each added ten points. Jeffs grabbed seven rebounds, including two on the offensive glass. Winona State finished the night with nine second chance points on nine offensive rebounds.
Mason Domask had a career high four assists.
Next up is the Bemidji State Beavers, tomorrow night at 6 p.m., it is the final game of 2016 for both teams.
