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> Winona State University > Athletics > Men's Basketball > M Basketball News > Warriors Win Region Opener
Warriors Win Region Opener Story by: Winona State Sports Information Office 
WINONA, MN – A strong three-point field goal shooting effort in the first half helped propel No. 3-ranked Winona State University (33-1) to the semifinals of the NCAA Division II North Central Region Tournament after a 78-45 win over Colorado Christian University (18-13) in McCown Gymnasium.
The Warriors are the two-time defending region champions and improved their current winning streak to 27 games.
WSU, the tournament’s No. 1 Seed, connected on 10-of-17 three-point attempts in the first half for a 58.8 percent shooting effort. Four of the five starters hit from three-point land in the first half and in the game six different Warriors hit a three-pointer. For the game WSU was 14-23 from beyond the three-point line.
Three-point shooting and defense carried the Warriors, who gave up just 20 points in the first half and led 41-20 at the break. Then in the final 20 minutes of play the Warriors gave up just 25 points. For the game WSU forced CCU into 18 turnovers despite being outrebounded 40-36.
On the game, All-American John Smith turned in a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Smith went on to finish with three blocked shots and two assists.
All-American Jonte Flowers also filled out the statistics chart, scoring 15 points, pulling off three rebounds to go with four steals, two blocked shots and two assists.
Balanced scoring was also a key for the Warriors, as they finished with five players in double figures. Starters Travis Whipple netted 12 points and David Johnson came up with 10 marks, while Josh Korth came off the bench to add 10 points to the win.
For the No. 8 Seed Cougars, Brian Stamer had a team-high 12 points and Brendan Puckett tallied 10.
Winona State advances to the semifinal round and will face the University of Nebraska-Omaha.
Last Modified: Sunday, March 16, 2008 23:40 by Michael Herzberg |
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