WINONA, Minn. – Tara Roelofs led the way for the Warriors (17-4, 12-3 NSIC) with 19 points as they defeated Minot State 69-53 Friday night in McCown gym. Winona State scored 23 points off Minot State turnovers to pick up the double-digit victory.
 
In the opening quarter the Warriors and Beavers both scored 14 points. The Beavers shot 50 percent from the field and made two three-pointers to keep the Warriors in check. 
 
The second quarter the Warriors were able to hold the Beavers to just eight points. While holding the Beavers to a few field goals the Warriors connected on nine of 15 shots for 60 percent. Creating some separation, the Warriors finished the half with a 10-point advantage.
 
In the third quarter, the Warriors stretched their lead out to 13 a number of times before the Beavers would cut the lead down to five points, with just under a minute remaining in the quarter. Jenny Tuttle would knock down a three-pointer to give the Warriors an eight point lead going into the final quarter.
 
The Warriors connected on four of eight free throws for 50 percent to help them outscore the Beavers in the final quarter. Kayla Timmerman, Gabie Doud and Jenny Tuttle made a pair of free throws each to wrap up the Warriors' perfect eight of eight on the night. 
 
With tonight's victory and the University of Sioux Falls falling by one point to Northern State, the Warriors now hold the top spot in the South Division of the NSIC.
 
Winona State shot 45 percent from the field and 38 percent from three-point range. The Warriors were a perfect eight of eight from the charity stripe. Minot shot 44 percent from the field and 26 percent from three-point range. The Beavers made eight of 10 free throws.
 
Tara Roelofs led all scorers with 19 points. Jenny Tuttle scored 16 points and Kayla Timmerman added 10 points.
 
The Warriors tip off against the University of Mary Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m.