WINONA, Minn. – The Winona State University Warriors had a roller coaster fourth quarter on Friday night in McCown Gymnasium before ultimately suffering a 77-65 setback to Minnesota State Mankato – WSU's first loss of the season.
Winona State falls to 7-1 (3-1 NSIC) and Mankato improves to 5-2 (2-1 NSIC).
The Warriors, playing at home for the first time in nearly a month, found themselves trailing by 11 early in the fourth frame before using an 8-0 run at the six-minute mark to make it a one-point affair. It appeared that Winona State was poised for another one of its patented late comebacks that helped propel the Warriors to a 7-0 start this year, but the Mavericks held off the home team's charge.
A fourth quarter three-pointer by freshman Caitlin Riley gave WSU a 60-59 edge, its first lead since the opening minutes of the tilt, and Taylor Klug connected from downtown on the next possession to give the Warriors a 63-61 advantage at the 3:17 mark. However, the Warriors went cold from there and Mankato outscored them 16-2 until the final whistle for the win.
Both teams had shooting struggles in the first half as they combined to shoot just 26 percent from the field, including a 4-24 effort from beyond the arc. As a result, neither side led by more than six points over the first two quarters that saw Mankato take a 26-25 lead into the break.
Winona State was able to stay close by connecting on its free throws with an 8-9 effort from the stripe in the first half.
Junior Taylor Hustad dominated the third quarter, scoring 15 of her team-high 17 points in the frame, while converting all seven of her field goal attempts. A free throw by Hustad with 1:03 left in the third cut the Warrior deficit to 45-44, but Mankato closed the frame strong with a 6-0 run to set up another strong finish in the fourth.
Turnovers were an issue for the Warriors as they committed 17 miscues compared to 11 by the Mavericks. Mankato made the most of those opportunities, outscoring WSU in points off turnovers, 18-5. The Mavericks also owned a 36-26 advantage on points in the paint as center Kristi Fett was a force to be reckoned with inside.
Winona State shot a season-low 36 percent from the floor and hit on 30 percent of its three-point attempts. What was an advantage early for WSU at the free throw line, eventually swung in favor of the visitors as Mankato went 24-29 from the stripe.
Riley and Klug combined for 30 points off the Warriors bench as Winona State continues to showcase plenty of scoring depth. Hustad added 13 rebounds to her scoring line for her fourth double-double of the year.
The Warriors are back in action Saturday afternoon against Concordia-St. Paul. Tipoff is set for 3:30 p.m. in Winona. The Golden Bears are coming off a 65-62 loss at Upper Iowa on Friday.
