HOUGHTON, Mich. – The Winona State women's basketball team nearly erased a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter but came up short in a 69-65 loss to Michigan Tech on Monday evening.
Winona State fell to 2-2 with the loss, while Michigan Tech improved to 1-0 to open the season.
Vivica Bretton led the Warriors with a career-high 28 points, nine rebounds and four assists.
Megan Schuman followed with nine points, while
Breah Golden added eight.
Megan Johnson finished second on the team with eight rebounds.
The Warriors opened strong, knocking down back-to-back 3-pointers to take an 8-4 lead. Michigan Tech trimmed the deficit to one with 5:26 remaining in the first quarter. The Huskies then grabbed their first lead since the opening minute with a free throw, but Bretton answered with a layup to put WSU back in front. Winona State closed the quarter on a 6-2 run, capped by a Johnson jumper, to take an 18-14 lead into the second quarter.
Winona State maintained its advantage early in the second quarter, building a six-point lead on back-to-back baskets from Bretton. Michigan Tech took control midway through the period with an 11-0 run before
Rylie Cother halted the momentum and trimmed the Huskies' lead to two. Michigan Tech closed the half on an 8-4 run to take a 37-31 advantage into the locker room.
The Huskies carried their momentum into the second half, extending their lead to 10 before
Sydney Cherney knocked down two free throws to cut the deficit to eight with 6:47 remaining in the third quarter. Michigan Tech then connected on five consecutive 3-pointers to build a 16-point advantage late in the period. The Warriors began chipping away with a 5-0 run, but the Huskies answered with a layup in the closing seconds to take a 60-47 lead into the final quarter.
The Warriors opened the fourth quarter with a 6-0 run, capped by an and-one layup from Bretton. Michigan Tech responded with a layup and a 3-pointer to push its lead back to 10. Winona State continued to battle as Golden knocked down a 3-pointer to bring the Warriors within five. Cherney followed with a 3-pointer of her own before
Lydia Lakanen drove to the basket for a fast-break layup with 2:04 remaining, cutting the deficit to 66-65.
Winona State had opportunities to complete the comeback down the stretch, but Michigan Tech's defense kept the Warriors off the scoreboard. The Huskies then sealed the 69-65 victory at the free throw line.
CHECKING THE BOX SCORE
- Winona State fell to Michigan Tech 69-65.
- Vivica Bretton led the Warriors with 28 points, nine rebounds and four assists.
- The Warriors shot 43.9% from the field (25 of 57).
- WSU outrebounded Michigan Tech 41-33.
- The Huskies knocked down 12 3-pointers compared to six for the Warriors.
- Michigan Tech's bench outscored WSU's 21-16.
- Monday's contest featured six lead changes and three ties.
NEWS & NOTES
- Winona State fell to 2-2 with the loss.
- Michigan Tech opened the season 1-0.
- WSU continues to lead the all-time series 5-3.
- Bretton established a new career high with 28 points.
UP NEXT
The Warriors will face Bethel in an exhibition contest Thursday, Nov. 12, at 7 p.m. in Rochester, Minn.
Stay connected with Winona State University Athletics all season long by following the Warriors on social media at @WinonaStateATH (X and Instagram), @winonastatewarriors (YouTube), and Winona State Warrior Athletics (Facebook), or visit winonastatewarriors.com.
