WINONA, Minn. - The Winona State University men's basketball team battled from opening tip to the final buzzer, defeating Minot State University 83-58 on senior night. 

The Warriors claimed their first lead at the 10:30 mark of the first half and never looked back, maintaining control for the rest of the game. Four WSU players scored 15 or more points, showing a dominant performance. With the NSIC standings tightening down the stretch, Winona State handled business at home, moving into a tie for first place heading into the final weekend of the regular season.

How it Happened: 

Minot State opened the game with a layup from Caleb Van De Griend, setting the tone for the early minutes as he single-handedly scored the Beavers' first 11 points. Keeping the game close, Tyler Mason answered for Winona State, draining two early three-pointers to keep up. As the half progressed, multiple Warriors stepped up, pushing their lead to as much as six with six minutes remaining. Both teams exchanged baskets down the stretch, but a momentum-shifting steal and emphatic dunk by Mason gave Winona State an extra spark heading into halftime, leading 45-34. 

The Warriors came out firing in the second half, with senior and four-year starter Connor Drew knocking down a three-pointer to get things rolling. Isaiah Thompson added to the offensive surge with several acrobatic finishes at the rim, along with a three-pointer of his own. Winona State's attack widened the lead to 24 points with under eight minutes left, putting the game out of reach for Minot State. The Warriors dominated the second half, sealing an emphatic 83-58 victory at the final buzzer. 

Statistical Leaders: 

• Jhei-R Jones led Winona State in scoring with 17 points while also grabbing five rebounds in the contest. 
• Tyler Mason shot 4-6 from beyond the arc on his way to 16 points while also grabbing a team and career-high nine rebounds. 
• Both Luke Haertle and Isaiah Thompson has 15 points apiece. 
• Caleb Van De Griend paced Minot State with 30 points and 10 rebounds. 

Team Comparisons: 

• The Warriors shot 51% from the field and 45.8% from beyond the arc while holding the Beavers to 36.2% from the floor and 26.7% from three-point range. 
• Winona State earned 16 second chance points compared to the MSU seven. 
• WSU outrebounded the Beavers 34-30 in the contest. 
• Minot State knocked down eight free throws while the Warriors knocked down 20 of their 26. 

Winona State wraps up the regular season on the road with two crucial NSIC matchups, taking on Minnesota State University Moorhead on Friday, February 21, at 5:30 p.m., followed by a showdown against St. Cloud State University on Saturday, February 22, at 3:30 p.m. 

For the most up to date news in Warrior Athletics, please visit: www.WINONASTATEWARRIORS.com and @WinonaStateATH.