FAYETTE, Iowa – Winona State University returns to NSIC action on Sunday, December 30 at Upper Iowa University with a 4 p.m. tipoff against the Peacocks. The Warriors last game before the break was a non-conference tilt at Michigan Tech on December 19th.
Winona State (5-6, 2-3 NSIC) loss that contest at Michigan Tech prior to the holiday break, 60-50. The Warriors were without the services of seniors Tommy Gathje and Charlie Koontz in the game. Both players have been sidelined with injury since December 8th – missing the Warriors' last two outings.
Kevion Taylor posted a double-double (20 points/10 rebounds) in WSU's 72-50 victory over Upper Iowa earlier this season. The Warriors limited the Peacocks to just 16 points in the second half of that ballgame. Taylor leads WSU in scoring (12.7 ppg) and rebounding (6.1) this season.
Devin Whitelow is averaging 10.7 ppg, followed by Caleb Wagner with 10.0 ppg. The duo has combined for 77 assists on the year. Wagner (3.7), followed by Whitelow (3.3), rank first and second, respectively, in the NSIC in assist/turnover ratio this season.
Senior Mason Domask is shooting 42.6 percent from downtown for the Warriors.
Winona State's scoring offense (74.2 ppg) ranks 14th in the league, but the Warrior defense ranks fifth at 68.6 ppg. WSU ranks second in the league in free throw shooting (79.3%). The Warriors have handled the ball with great care this season – ranking third in the NSIC in assist/turnover ratio (1.39) and fifth in turnover margin (+2.91).
Following Sunday's contest, the Warriors return to McCown Gymnasium for a weekend doubleheader on January 4-5 against Minnesota State Moorhead and Northern State.
Scouting Upper Iowa
The Peacocks (5-6, 2-3 NSIC) dropped their most recent outing at No. 15 Missouri Southern State, 105-90. UIU swept its last NSIC weekend doubleheader with wins at Mankato and CSP.
Upper Iowa is averaging 76.8 points/game but the Peacock defense ranks 15th in the league in scoring defense (82.4 ppg). UIU is shooting 38.4 percent from beyond the arc which ranks seventh in the NSIC.
Four Peacocks are averaging double digits in the scoring column led by Jareese Williams (14.9 ppg). Joe Smoldt (12.4), Chris Olson (12.1) and Kyle Haber (10.8) round out the scoring leaders. Munachiso Okonkwo leads the team with 5.7 rebounds/game. Smold has a team-best 40 assists on the year.
