HONOLULU, Hawaii – The Winona State women's basketball team battled until the very end against the No. 2 team in the country, falling 64-57 to Colorado Mesa in the championship game of the Hoops in Hawaii Classic on Sunday night.
Winona State fell to 2-1 on the season, while Colorado Mesa improved to 3-0.
Vivica Bretton led the Warriors with 12 points, nine rebounds and four assists.
Sydney Cherney also scored 12 points, while
Megan Johnson added 10.
Sadie Jarmolowicz led Winona State on the glass with 11 rebounds.
The Warriors struck first, jumping out to a 7-0 lead and holding the Mavericks scoreless through the opening four minutes. Colorado Mesa responded with 10 consecutive points to take a 10-7 lead with 3:34 remaining in the first quarter. Jarmolowicz halted the run with a layup, and the Warriors later tied the game with 1:20 remaining. The Mavericks scored the final four points of the quarter to take a 15-11 lead into the second.
Colorado Mesa held the Warriors scoreless until the 4:57 mark of the second quarter, extending its advantage to nine before Cherney knocked down a 3-pointer to end the drought. The Mavericks pushed their lead to 10 on a layup, but Bretton answered with an and-one opportunity to give Winona State a spark. The Warriors closed the half with four consecutive points to trim the deficit to 27-21 at halftime.
Winona State opened the third quarter with a strong push, as Megan Shuman capped a 9-4 run with a 3-pointer to pull the Warriors within one at 31-30 with 6:22 remaining. The Warriors continued their momentum, scoring the next four points to take a three-point lead midway through the quarter. Colorado Mesa responded with seven consecutive points to regain control. Winona State continued to battle, knocking down a 3-pointer with 1:25 remaining to pull within one before the Mavericks closed the quarter with a 47-43 advantage.
Colorado Mesa quickly extended its lead to seven with a 3-pointer to open the fourth quarter, but Winona State answered with six consecutive points to pull within one. The Mavericks responded midway through the quarter with a 10-3 run to build a 60-52 advantage with 4:08 remaining. The Warriors made one final push, cutting the deficit to five with nine seconds remaining, but Colorado Mesa held on for the 64-57 victory.
CHECKING THE BOX SCORE
- Winona State fell to No. 2 Colorado Mesa 64-57 in the Hoops in Hawaii Classic championship game.
- Vivica Bretton led the Warriors with 12 points, nine rebounds and four assists.
- Sydney Cherney also scored 12 points, while Megan Johnson added 10.
- Sadie Jarmolowicz recorded 11 rebounds.
- Colorado Mesa outrebounded Winona State 38-36.
- WSU shot 61.5% from the field in the third quarter (8 of 13).
- Colorado Mesa made 19 of 20 free throws, compared to 7 of 12 for Winona State.
NEWS & NOTES
- Winona State fell to 2-1 on the season.
- Colorado Mesa improved to 3-0.
- The Warriors maintain a 2-1 advantage in the all-time series.
- Sunday's game marked the first meeting between the two programs since 2003.
- Sadie Jarmolowicz matched her career high with 11 rebounds.
UP NEXT
Winona State will return to action Monday, Nov. 9, traveling to Michigan Tech. Tipoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.
Stay connected with Winona State University Athletics all season long by following the Warriors on social media at @WinonaStateATH (X and Instagram), @winonastatewarriors (YouTube), Winona State Warrior Athletics (Facebook) and winonastatewarriors.com.
