WINONA, Minn. - The Warriors (7-5, 4-4 NSIC) scored early and often as they earned a 95-80 win over Bemidji State (3-9, 1-6 NSIC). The win sends Winona State in to the new year with back-to-back wins. Riley Bambenek had a season high 30 points thanks to six made threes on Saturday. 

It was a quick start for Winona State, who scored 14 of the first 16 points in the game. Bemidji State momentarily quieted the run with a bucket but Riley Bambenek answered with a three and Winona State led 17-4 at the media timeout. The Warriors started the game 8-11 from the field while the Beavers made just two of their first nine shots. 

The lead grew to 18 with 10:17 remaining in the half. Following the under-ten media timeout the Warriors kept up the defensive pressure. Bemidji State was held to 15 points and 30% shooting in the first 15 minutes of the game. The Warriors would build a 36-15 lead in the process. Things kept getting better for the Warriors as they finished the half on  a 13-6 run and took a 49-21 lead in to the locker room.

The 49 first half points was the most this season for the Warriors. Bemidji State finished the half 8-24 from the field. Winona State outscored the Beavers 13-3 in fast break points and 18-4 in bench points. 

The second half started with both teams trading three-point field goals. Bemidji State cut their deficit to 24 just out of the first media timeout. The Beavers could not get much closer and the Warriors held a 73-51 lead with 10:29 left in the game.

Both teams were shooting over 69% in the first 9:30 of the second half. The two teams were a combined 19-27 to start the half. Winona State would keep rolling offensively and the Beavers could only match their offensive effort. The Warriors would lead 87-64 as the clock showed 4:26 left. 

The Beavers tried to make things a little interesting late, cutting the Warrior lead to 12 with 2:13 left. However, the Warriors would hold on to earn the 15-point victory. 

QUICK SHOTS:
Bambenek's six threes' tied a career high, he was three points short of his career high in points. 
Tommy Gathje added 15 points, scoring in double figures for the fourth straight game.
Isaiah Gray again scored in double figures, tallying 11 points to go with four assists and seven rebounds.
Connor Flack had 12 points off the bench, one shy of his season and career high.
Josh Mongan had seven points and three assists.
Corey Jeffs just missed scoring in double digits, finishing with nine points.
The Warriors scored 41 points in the paint and had 15 fast break points.
It was the Warriors first victory this season when allowing over 70 points in a game.

Winona State will return to the court Friday, January 6 at #25 Southwest Minnesota State.