PITTSBURG, Kan. – The Winona State men's basketball team fell to the #2 ranked Washburn Ichabod's 88-57 to finish the Central Regional Challenge.
In a match that saw Washburn maintain the lead for over 90 percent of it, the Warriors were able to keep it close early but would ultimately fall after the persistent attack of the #2 ranked Ichabod's.
How it Happened:
After trailing 17-11 through the first six minutes of the first half the Warriors would struggle to find a rhythm shooting only 1-8 from three and turning the ball over 10 times. This allowed Washburn to go on multiple runs, scoring 29 points off turnovers and shooting 42.1% from three. Although the first half only saw each team take the lead three times, the Ichabod's were able to maintain their lead for 17:55 of the first half. The Warriors would end the second with a deficit of 15 and a score of 41-26.
Winona State's struggles would continue in the second half being outscored 47-31 with a deficit that got to as large as 28. The Warriors could not find their groove with the constant attack of the Ichabod's offense. WSU would shoot worse in the second half overall with a percentage of 34.62% from the field. A small bright spot in the Warriors shooting was their ability to be consistent at the line, shooting 16-16 on free throws.
Statistical Comparison:
- The Warriors were 19-of-50 (38.0%) from the field while the Ichabod's were 34-of-65 (52.3%) in the win.
- Southern Arkansas outrebounded the Warriors by a slim 32-31 margin.
- Winona State was three-of-17 (17.8%) from three-point land with Southern Arkansas going 11-of-32 (34.4%).
- Winona State was able to go 16-16 (100.0%) from the free throw line and WU shot nine-of-13 from the charity stripe.
- Gavyn Hurley led the Warriors in double figures with a game-high 19 points. Aiden Bardic added eight points with Alessandro Tonelli chipping in six points.
- Hurley led the team with six rebounds while Ryan Heise added four in the loss.
- Washburn was led by Jack Bachelor and Bryson Smith who each had 14 and 13 points in the win, respectively.
Winona State will play next at Concordia-St. Paul in an NSIC match up on Wednesday, November 19th at 6:00pm.
