WINONA, Minn. - The Winona State University men's basketball team battled uphill most of the game, with Southwest Minnesota State taking the game 75-62.
The Warriors shot 32.8% from the field and 28.1% from beyond the arc, while the Mustangs shot 42.1% from the floor and 38.2% from three-point range. Senior
Connor Drew knocked down an early three pointer in the game, getting him to the 1,000 point mark in his career at Winona State.
How it Happened:
Neither team would score a basket until the 17 minute mark in the first half when
Jhei-R Jones would hit a three to get things going for the Warriors. After that basket, WSU would jump out to an early 11-3 lead at the first media timeout. SMSU would slowly work their way back into the game, tying it up with a bucket from Mason Lund to put the score even at 19-19 with six minutes to go in the first half. The Mustangs would get the lead and finish the half up six points at 33-27.
The second half would begin with a tip in layup made from Mason Lund, but
Isaiah Thompson would quickly respond with a layup of his own. The Warriors and Mustangs would battle back and forth with SMSU not seeing a lead of more than 11 points and the Warriors coming within three points after a
Tyler Mason three pointer just before the ten minute media timeout. Trading runs back and forth in an intense game WSU would eventually fall 75-62.
Statistical Leaders:
- Both Jhei-R Jones and Connor Drew would have 15 points a piece.
- All five Warrior starters would play 30 minutes or more.
- Isaiah Thompson would lead all players with 12 rebounds.
- Mason Lund would connect on four three pointers, on his way to 18 points in the outing.
Team Comparison:
- SMSU would shoot 82.4% from the charity stripe while WSU would shoot 76.5%.
- The Mustangs would have 18 second chance points in the contest.
- The Warriors had 14 offensive rebounds compared to eight from SMSU.
- Winona State would collect ten total assists compared to SMSU's 17.
The Warriors (8-3, 3-2 NSIC) are next in action on Wednesday, December 18 at 7:30pm where they face off against Minnesota Duluth (7-3, 2-2 NSIC) on the road.
For the most up to date news in Warrior Athletics, please visit:
www.WINONASTATEWARRIORS.com and
@WinonaStateATH.
