WINONA, Minn. - The Winona State University men's basketball team is set for a Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Tournament quarterfinal matchup against Southwest Minnesota State University on Saturday, March 1. Tip-off is set for 7:00pm between the Warriors and Mustangs at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, SD.
The seventh-seeded Warriors defeated Wayne State 63-59 in the first round of the NSIC Tournament on February 26, while the second-seeded Mustangs received a first-round bye. WSU and SMSU split the season series with both teams winning on the road. Winona State and Southwest Minnesota State last met in the NSIC Tournament in 2012.
Winona State Notes:
- The Warriors hold a 20-9 record on the year, 14-8 in the NSIC
- This marks the second season in a row where WSU has reached the 20-win mark.
- Luke Haertle, recently named the 2025 NSIC Newcomer of the Year, averages 17.3 points per game, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists.
- Isaiah Thompson leads the Warriors in rebounding at 8.9 pe game.
- Luke Haertle, Connor Drew, and Isaiah Thompson earned All-NSIC honors for Winona State.
- WSU shoots 45.3% from the field and 34.5% from beyond the arc on the season.
- In the latest regional rankings, the Warriors saw themselves ranked fifth, which is the fourth highest in the NSIC.
Southwest Minnesota State Notes:
- SMSU holds a 21-7 record, 16-6 in the NSIC.
- Southwest Minnesota State earned a first-round bye in the 2025 NSIC Tournament, with the two seed in the NSIC.
- Aeron Stevens averages 14.5 points per game, leading the Mustangs.
- Jakob Braaten earned All-NSIC NSIC First Team honors announced on February 27 by the league office.
- Mason Lund leads the Mustangs in scoring at 6.1 per game.
- As a team, SMSU shoots 48.2% from the field and 36.8% from three-point range on the year.
The winner of Saturday's game will advance to the semifinals on Monday, March 3 at 7:00pm. The NSIC Tournament championship game is set for 7:00pm on Tuesday, March 4.
For the most up to date news in Warrior Athletics, please visit: www.WINONASTATEWARRIORS.com and @WinonaStateATH.
