WINONA, Minn. – Winona State University extended its winning streak to four in a row with a decisive 72-50 victory over Upper Iowa University Saturday evening in McCown Gymnasium to open conference play. The Warrior defense held the Peacocks to just 16 points in the second half.
It marked the first time WSU has limited an NSIC opponent to 50 points or fewer since December 11, 2015 at Concordia-St. Paul. The Warriors currently rank second in the NSIC in scoring defense (62 ppg) and have allowed just 55.75 ppg over their four-game winning streak.
A back-and-forth first half yielded a 36-34 WSU lead at halftime. Kevion Taylor opened the second half with six straight points for the Warriors and the route was on from there. The sophomore forward scored 11 of his game-high 20 points in the second half while posting in his double-double of the season with 10 rebounds.
The Warriors used a 17-7 run over the first nine minutes of the second half to take a 53-41 lead as Taylor scored all 11 of his points during that stretch of the frame. Taylor also accounted for one of Winona State's two three-pointers in the half – the other coming from the unlikely source in Charlie Koontz later in the period. After launching an eye-popping 41 three-pointers in a win earlier this week against Viterbo, the Warriors played inside the perimeter with great success against Upper Iowa.
WSU owned a 48-22 advantage in point in the paint on the evening, including a 26-6 edge in the second half. In a game that saw the Peacocks slip to the basket with ease for the opening bucket, the Warriors reversed their fortunes and took control of the lane for the remainder of the ballgame. Winona State also owned the rebounding advantage by a 36-26 count.
Guards Caleb Wagner and Devin Whitelow combined for 25 points and seven assists. Senior Tommy Gathje dished out a team-high four assists and pulled down six rebounds.
Winona State (4-2, 1-0 NSIC) will be back on its home court next weekend for a pair of conference contests beginning with Augustana University on Friday, December 7 at 7:30 p.m.
