SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Winona State (7-7, 4-6 NSIC) came up just short Saturday, falling 58-55 to Sioux Falls (10-8, 6-4 NSIC). Connor Flack and Corey Jeffs both scored in double figures on the night; finishing with 14 and 13 points respectively.
 
Both teams shot the ball well in the first half, finishing over 50% from the field. The Cougars were able to build up a small six-point lead thanks to seven points off turnovers and two second chance points in the opening half.
 
The Warriors scored the first eight points of the game and held the lead for the first six minutes of the game. The Cougars would take an eight-point lead of their own, going up 20-12. Winona State got within two but could not get any closer in the first half.
 
Sioux Falls increased their lead to double digits early in the second half but Winona State got back within five moments later. The Cougars answered back and held a double-digit lead for nearly six minutes in the middle of the second half. Flack converted a layup with 3:14 left, bringing the Warriors within two at 53-51.
 
The game would not see any scoring for the next couple minutes as both teams came up empty on a pair of offensive trips. The Cougars hit a pair of free throws with just over a minute to go, giving them a two possession lead. Winona State would get within two, on two more occasions and had two chances to tie the game at 58 but could not convert, missing two three-point field goals in the final five seconds.
 
In the second half both teams shot below 36% from the field. WSU held the Cougars to just 8-28 from the field in the final twenty minutes. Sioux Falls was held to just one made field goal and five points in the final 9:36 of the game.
 
Tommy Gathje just missed a double-double scoring nine points and grabbing eight rebounds. Josh Mongan led all players with six assists on the night.