TOPEKA, Kan. Winona State men's basketball defeated Southwest Minnesota State 69-62 in the NCAA Division II Central Region Tournament quarterfinals. The Warriors advance to the semifinals on Sunday, March 16 at 5:00pm in Topeka, Kan.
 
Winona State used a strong first half and dominated the glass to earn their first NCAA Tournament win since 2013.
 
How It Happened:
Winona State jumped out to a 10-2 lead to force an early SMSU timeout in the game's first four minutes. The Warriors started 4-8 from deep with three-pointers from four different players. Winona State extended their lead to a 10-point advantage, 22-12, at the under-8 media timeout.
 
WSU continued stellar defense in the first half, forcing seven SMSU turnovers and holding the Mustangs to just 33.3% from the field and 2-9 from deep. WSU shot 41.9% from the field in the first half and drained five threes en route to a 34-21 lead at the break.
 
The Warriors started the second half with a defensive stop and then an Isaiah Thompson dunk to build their lead to 15 points. WSU led by as many as 16 points before SMSU started climbing back into the game to bring it within 11 at the under-8 media timeout. The Mustangs got it within five on two different occasions, but the Warriors iced the game down the stretch and won 69-62.
 
Statistical Leaders:

• Connor Drew led the Warriors with 17 points and was 6-6 on free throws.
• Isaiah Thompson scored 15 points and corralled 13 rebounds.
• Luke Haertle scored 12 points, grabbed 12 boards, and dished out five assists. Jhei-R Jones was the fourth Warrior in double figures, notching 11 points.
• Steven Kramer led the Mustangs with 18 points.

 
Team Comparison:

• Winona State shot 42.4% from the field and made seven threes while SMSU went 39.3% from the field and made nine threes.
• The Warriors dominated the glass, collecting 45 rebounds compared to SMSU's 26 and scoring 20 second chance points while holding the Mustangs to zero second chance points.

 
The Warriors will advance to the NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Central Region semifinals, with tip-off scheduled for 5:00pm tomorrow at Lee Arena on the campus of Washburn University in Topeka, Kan.
 
For the most up to date news in Warrior Athletics, please visit: www.WINONASTATEWARRIORS.com and @WinonaStateATH. Read Full Article