WINONA, Minn. - The Winona State University men's basketball team will square off against Southwest Minnesota State in the first round of the NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Central Region Tournament on Saturday, March 15 at 12:00pm. The Central Region Tournament is hosted by Washburn University in Topeka, Kan.

The Warriors earned the No. 3 seed in the Central Region after holding a 21-10 record on the season and reaching the NSIC Tournament semifinals for the second year in a row. This will be WSU's 11th appearance in the NCAA Tournament as the Warriors hold a 22-8 record in the NCAA Tournament and have two national championships.

Saturday's matchup will be the fourth meeting between Winona State and Southwest Minnesota State this season, with the Warriors defeating the Mustangs twice including a 71-60 win in the NSIC Tournament on March 1.

Winona State Notes:

• The Warriors are 21-10 on the season and finished 14-8 in the NSIC, earning the three seed in the NCAA Tournament.
• Winona State reaches the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2014.
• Luke Haertle was named the 2025 NSIC Newcomer of the year and earned a spot on the All NSIC First-Team.
• Connor Drew and Isaiah Thompson were named to the All NSIC Second-Team.
• Thompson leads the Warriors in rebounding at 8.7 per game.
• Haertle averages 17.2 points per game and 6.7 rebounds.

Southwest Minnesota State Notes:

• The Mustangs hold a 21-8 record on the year and 16-6 in the NSIC, earning a six seed in the NCAA Tournament.
• SMSU scores 74 points per game while only allowing 66.6.
• Jakob Braaten leads Southwest Minnesota State in scoring at 14.4 points per game.
• Mason Lund hauls in 6 rebounds per game to lead the Mustangs.
• Head coach Brad Bigler is in his 16th season as head coach of the Southwest Minnesota State squad.
• The Mustangs are appearing in their seventh NCAA Tournament.

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