MARSHALL, Minn. - The Winona State University men's basketball team brought a four-game winning streak into their showdown with Southwest Minnesota State on Saturday, February 3, riding the tailwinds of a 68-61 win over the University of Sioux Falls on Friday evening.
Down by 10 points at halftime, Winona State battled back following the break but SMSU held on for a 72-62 win.
Winona State (14-9, 9-8 NSIC) was led by Connor Dillon with 17 points, all in the second half, and Brock Voigt, who registered a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. SMSU saw Aeron Stevens score 27 points for the Mustangs.
How it Happened:
Brock Voigt and Connor Drew helped WSU keep pace early on with buckets inside the opening three minutes against the quick-starting home side. SMSU edged out to a 9-4 lead before a Devon Fielding 3-pointer and a layup by Declan Dillon reigned the Mustangs back and drew WSU level at 9-9 at the 16 minute mark.
SMSU went on a 8-2 scoring run following the media time out, but WSU's Olumide Adelodun knocked down a triple to pull the Warriors back to within one point at 22-21. However, the Mustangs would put together another scoring streak in the final seven minutes and would eventually take a 36-26 lead into the locker room.
In the opening 20 minutes, Southwest Minnesota State was able to hold the Warriors' Connor Dillon scoreless, the first team to do so this season. Neither team earned a trip to the foul line in the opening 20 minutes of play.
At the Half: SMSU 36, WSU 26
Following the break, Winona State enjoyed a strong start to the second half with Devon Fielding knocking down another 3-pointer, followed by a Brock Voigt dunk after a Connor Dillon steal. Dillon would hit a 3-pointer moments later to open his scoring for the evening as the Warriors cut into the Mustang advantage.
Another 3-pointer by Connor Dillon at the 15:06 mark allowed Winona State to tie the game at 41-41 and Brock Voigt gave the visitors a one-point lead on a layup with 14:16 left to play.
The two teams would trade narrow margins over the middle part of the second half until Southwest Minnesota State used three successive scoring possessions to build up a nine-point lead at 62-53 with just under three minutes to play.
Forced to foul, WSU sent a trio of Mustangs to the foul line in the final 90 seconds, with SMSU going 10-for-10 at the stripe to close out the game and deal the Warriors a 72-62 setback.
WSU Stats Standouts:
Connor Dillon 17 points, 3 assists
Brock Voigt 14 points, 11 rebounds
Declan Dillon 7 assists, 7 rebounds, 7 points
Devon Fielding 10 points, 5 rebounds
Team Stats Comparables:
Winona State out-rebounded the Mustangs, 40-35, but SMSU had a slight lead in steals 8-6.
At the free throw line, SMSU was 12-of-15 while WSU was 5-of-7.
SMSU was 25-of-56 (44.6%) from the floor, while WSU was 24-of-65 (36.9%) on shot attempts.
Beyond the Boxscore:
SMSU claims the 2023-24 series over WSU, having also defeated the Warriors 78-65 on December 1.
Dating back to January 25, 2019, the Mustangs hold a 6-4 edge in the past ten games.
Up Next:
Winona State (14-9, 9-8 NSIC) returns home to host Augustana University and Wayne State College on February 9-10 in McCown Gymnasium, home of WNB Financial Court. WSU and Augustana will face off at 7:30 p.m. on Friday evening and WSU will take on WSC at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday.
