The Winona State University men’s basketball team suffered a defeat against Minnesota State University Moorhead, with a final score of 71-57. Luke Haertle was the standout player for the Warriors, scoring 23 points while also contributing eight rebounds and three assists.
The game started competitively, with MSU Moorhead’s Logan Kinsey making an early three-pointer, assisted by Carson Johnson. Winona State quickly responded through Jhei-R Jones, who sank a three of his own. The Warriors then established a 20-13 lead with scoring from Haertle and Connor Drew. However, the momentum shifted near the end of the first half, with Shaun Wysocki’s layup giving the Dragons a narrow 34-32 lead at halftime.
In the second half, Kinsey continued to fire from beyond the arc, pushing MSU Moorhead’s early advantage. The teams exchanged points, but the Dragons managed to maintain their slender lead. The critical moment came during a three-minute scoring drought for both sides, modestly broken by Drew, bringing the score to 48-46. Ultimately, MSU Moorhead surged ahead, extending their lead to 61-51 before the final media timeout.
With just over two minutes left, Haertle hit a contested three-pointer, reducing the deficit to 66-57. However, the Dragons responded effectively with crucial baskets, securing the win.
Notably, Connor Drew supported Haertle with 19 points and five rebounds, while MSU Moorhead’s Same Hastreiter led his team with 19 points and nine rebounds, alongside four players reaching double figures in scoring. Statistically, Winona State shot 36.17% overall and 28.6% from three-point range compared to the Dragons’ 44.1% and 39.3%.
The Warriors will look to bounce back in their next game against St. Cloud State University on Saturday, February 22, at 3:30 PM, marking the final contest of the NSIC regular season. This upcoming game offers an opportunity for Winona State to refine their strategies and enhance their performance on the court.