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WSU Needs OT For Win Over Michigan Tech

Story by: Winona State Sports Information Office


WINONA, MN -- Ryan Abbott connected on a 37-yard field goal to lift Winona State University to a 47-44 overtime nonconference win over Michigan Tech on Maxwell Field at Alltel Stadium.

The three-pointer capped off one of the most thrilling 15 minutes ever played at Winona State.

The Warriors led 23-20 going into the final 15 minutes of play before the two teams combined for 45 points just under ten minutes (9:58) of play in the fourth quarter. Michigan Tech, which had the first possession in the overtime period, missed a 37-yard field goal and the Warriors then followed up with their successful try from the same distance to win the contest.

The game finished with a total of 91 points scored and a combined 1,038 yards gained.

Big plays and performances highlighted the season opener for the Warriors: Drew Aber threw for 289 yards and four touchdowns; Alex Wiese caught two touchdown passes and ran for another score and Anthony Buckner returned a kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown.

On the defensive side, the Warriors had interceptions by Tony Hill and Shawn Cunningham, but the Warriors also allowed six touchdown passes.

Abbott started the game's scoring with a 20-yard field goal in the first quarter and Scott Peters pushed the Warrior lead to 10-0 on a 19-yard TD reception in the second quarter.

Buckner brought the WSU fans to their feet with his exciting kickoff return score before Aber threw his second touchdown pass in the second period, this going to Tyree Burks on a 57-yard pass and catch, and WSU led at halftime 16-12.

The rest of the WSU regulation scoring came in the fourth quarter when Wiese three touchdowns -- 29 yards receiving, 5 yards rushing and 10 yards receiving, which tied the game at 44-all with 13 seconds left to play.

Middle linebacker Marcus LaBadie led the WSU defense with 14 total tackles.

(Boxscore)

Last Modified: Saturday, August 25, 2007 20:48 by Michael Herzberg