WINONA, Minn. - The Winona State men's basketball team faced off against Minnesota State University Moorhead to conclude their NSIC weekend, falling in the contest 92-80. 

The Warriors saw themselves down big early in the first half but wouldn't back down giving the Dragons a run for their money in the second half, eventually not being enough. Luke Haertle would lead WSU with his fourth double-double of the season collecting 24 points and 10 rebounds. 

How it Happened: 

It was all MSUM to begin the game jumping out to a 21-point lead just before the 10-minute media timeout in the first half. Trying to cut the lead down as much as they could, multiple Warriors would chip in including Luke Haertle, Connor Drew, and Isaiah Thompson, but the Dragons had a response to every Warrior bucket ending the half up 50-34. 

Half number two would begin similarly to the game yesterday with senior Isaiah Thompson catching fire from deep with three early made shots from beyond the arc chipping away at the lead and bring it within 12 points. Arius Alijosius would join in the mix knocking down a three-pointer and Luke Haertle also drove through the lane for multiple layups cutting the lead to single digits for the first time since before the first media timeout in the first half. Minnesota State University Moorhead would be too much for the Warriors taking the game 92-80 at the final buzzer. 

Statistical Leaders: 

• Luke Haertle led Winona State with 24 points and 10 rebounds. 
• Isaiah Thompson would be one rebound shy of yet another double-double hauling in nine rebounds to go with 21 points. 
• In his first collegiate start Arius Alijosius would knock down 3-4 from beyond the arc for nine points in the outing. 
• True freshman Carson Thompson led MSUM with 24 points. 

Team Comparisons: 

• WSU would win the turnover battle with seven, compared to the Dragons eight. 
• Winona State would shoot 46.3% from the field and 25% from the three-point line while MSUM shot 53.4% from the floor and 52% from beyond the arc. 
• The Warriors had a season high 48 points in the paint compared to the Dragons 30. 
• Winona State saw 29 points off the bench while Minnesota State Moorhead had only four. 

Winona State (13-6, 8-5 NSIC) is next in action on Saturday, January 25 at 4pm where they face off against Northern State University in Aberdeen, S.D.