WINONA, Minn. - The Winona State University men's basketball team hosted Minnesota State University, Mankato in their final contest of 2024, defeating them 88-75.
The Warriors knocked down a perfect 21-21 from the charity stripe in the game and 20-20 in the second half helping them complete the win with Isaiah Thompson leading the Warriors with 25 points and nine rebounds.
How it Happened:
Minnesota State jumped out to an early knocking down four of their first five three-pointers while also grabbing seven early offensive rebounds. The Warriors rallied back right away taking a 24-23 lead after a layup from Jhei-R Jones. Winona State went on a 14-2 run following that basket taking a commanding 14-point lead with two minutes left in half number one. With MSU knocking down some shots before the halftime buzzer sounded Winona State would see themselves up 39-31.
Freshman Tyler Mason got the Warriors started with a three-pointer, followed by another coming from Jhei-R Jones. Winona State and the Mavericks saw themselves trading points with no team gaining any traction until the 11-minute mark where Warrior head coach Todd Eisner would take a timeout after a Justin Eagins three cutting the game to four points at 53-49. The final seven minutes of the game WSU and MSU would battle, with the Warriors gaining an edge going to the free throw line 17 times, knocking down all 17 on the way to a key NSIC victory against the former DII national champions, winning 88-75.
Team Comparisons:
- The Warriors shot 100% from the free throw line, while MSU would shoot 60%.
- Winona State won the turnover battle forcing 12 turnovers to their six.
- WSU shot 49.1% from the field while holding the Mavericks to 44.8%.
- The Warriors collected 15 fast break points compared to the Mavericks five.
Statistical Leaders:
- Isaiah Thompson led WSU with a team leading 25 points as well as a team leading nine rebounds while also gathering three steals and three assists.
- Luke Haertle and Jhei-R Jones next up for the Warriors in the points category dropping 18 and 17 points respectively.
- Justin Eagins of MSU would gather 25 points and a game leading 8 assists.
Winona State (10-3, 5-2 NSIC) is next in action in 2025 where they are making the trek to North Dakota for two games against Minot State University on Friday, January 3 at 7:30pm and the University of Mary on Saturday, January 4 at 5:30pm.
For the most up to date news in Warrior Athletics, please visit:
www.WINONASTATEWARRIORS.com and
@WinonaStateATH.
