WINONA, Minn. - The Winona State University women's basketball team opened a two-game NSIC home stand in strong fashion on Friday, defeating Bemidji State University 75-64 in McCown Gymnasium, home of WNB Financial Court.
Winona State (9-17, 8-13 NSIC) was led by Emma Carpenter with 21 points while Warrior teammate Ava Sergio nearly pulled off a double-double with 13 points and nine rebounds. Olivia Gamoke added 12 points and Mattie Schimez had 10 in the key NSIC victory.
How it Happened:
WSU raced out to a 24-16 lead in one of their best first-quarter efforts of the season. Olivia Gamoke and Mattie Schimenz hit back-to-back 3-pointers to begin the first 10 minutes and Hailey Markworth connected on a pair of free throws with five seconds remaining to give WSU a 24-16 lead after one.
In the second quarter, the visiting Beavers flipped the script on the Warriors, with BSU outscoring WSU 22-17. However, three-pointers by Kaitlyn Schrimpf and a strong showing at the free throw line by Ava Sergio allowed WSU to hold a four-point lead at the break.
At the Half: WSU 41, Bemidji State 38
The third quarter saw Winona State return to their first-quarter scoring form as the Warriors enjoyed a 21-13 scoring advantage over the 10-minute period. WSU leaned on Emma Carpenter, who scored a layup just a minute into the frame, followed quickly by a 3-pointer moments later. Carpenter closed out the third with another 5-point surge, knocking down triple with just over two mintues to go followed by a layup with 45 seconds left.
In the fourth and final frame, WSU saw Ava Sergio covert an and-one situation, having been fouled on a layup in the paint and subsequently hitting the ensuring free throw. Although BSU would threaten late with a pair of late 3-pointers, Winona State held the Beavers off the rest of the way for the 75-64 NSIC victory.
WSU Stats Standouts:
Emma Carpenter 21 points, 7 rebounds
Ava Sergio 13 points, 9 rebounds
Olivia Gamoke 12 points, 2 assists, 1 steal
Mattie Schimenz 10 points, 5 assists
Team Stats Comparables:
Winona State was 8-of-11 (72.7%) from the free throw line while the Beavers were 4-of-10 (40.0%) at the charity stripe.
WSU had a commanding 45-25 edge in total rebounds and held an impressive 11-2 edge on the offensive glass.
The Warriors were 9-of-17 (52.94%) in the first quarter, while BSU was 9-of-17 in the second stanza.
Beyond the Boxscore:
With a 44-43 over Bemidji State earlier this year, WSU claims a sweep in the series on the year.
WSU has won four of the last six games against the Beavers.
Up Next:
Winona State (9-17, 8-13 NSIC) continues the Warrior home stand, taking on Minnesota Crookston tomorrow, Saturday, February 24. The Warriors and Golden Eagles will face off at 3:30 p.m. in McCown Gymnasium, home of WNB Financial Court.
