SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The Winona State University men's basketball team defeated Southwest Minnesota State University 71-60 advancing to the semifinals of the 2025 NSIC Tournament.
The Warriors will face off against the winner of MSU Moorhead and Augustana on Monday, March 3 at 7pm in Sioux Falls, S.D.
How it Happened:
The Warriors began the game down 0-4 before Isaiah Thompson got on the board and he would continue to lead the Warriors the entirety of the first half. Jhei-R Jones made a three-pointer just after the first media timeout to give Winona State their first lead of the game. Sparking the run that would see them up by as much as 17 points. as mentioned before Isaiah Thompson ended up with 20 first half points on multiple tough finishes around the rim. A big part of the first half was WSU forcing 12 first half turnovers when SMSU averages only 11 per game while also assisting on 11 baskets in the first half. At the half, the Warriors saw a 42-23 lead.
The second half began with a bang, with Tyler Mason joining in on the fun going 2-2 from beyond the arc in the first minute of play. Jhei-R Jones saw himself scoring five quick points for the Warriors as well, bringing the lead up to 24 at the first media timeout. Southwest Minnesota State would not back down, slowly finding a way to bring the game back within range, even bringing the game to seven points with under five minutes of action left. Isaiah Thompson and Luke Haertle free throws would seal the deal, sending the Warriors to the semifinal game of the 2025 NSIC Tournament winning 71-60.
Statistical Leaders:
- Isaiah Thompson led Winona State in scoring with 26 points while also grabbing a team high seven rebounds.
- Jhei-R Jones was everywhere on the court tonight, scoring 18 points, collecting three assists, and a team high three steals.
- Jakob Baraaten led the Mustangs in scoring with 21 points on 61.5% shooting and knock down 4-5 threes.
- Tyler Mason and Luke Haertle would collect eight points apiece.
Team Comparisons:
- Winona State forced 16 SMSU tunrovers while the mustangs collected 13.
- The Warriors had a season high 17 assists in the contest compared to Southwest Minnesota State's 14.
- Capitalizing from the turnovers, Winona State had 27 points off turnovers while SMSU would only have 11.
- WSU shot 56.3% from the floor and 39.1% from beyond the arc compared to SMSU's 40.4% shooting from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc.
With the win, Winona State advances to the semifinal game of the 2025 NSIC Tournament played on Monday, March 3 at 7pm.
