Dillon Hogan/ Winonan
The Winona State University men’s basketball team has been looking for a turn-around. This weekend they found it.
This season the Warriors have seven losses so far compared to last year’s eight total losses. Going into this weekend’s pair of home games the Warriors had a .500 overall record of 7-7 and a 4-6 conference record.
The Warriors posted a perfect weekend to boost their record with a 94-68 win over the University of Mary on Friday and a 78-69 win against Minot State on Saturday. Following this weekend’s slate of games the Warriors bounced back over the .500 mark and are now a 9-7 team for the season.
The game against University of Mary was a breakout game for the Warrior offense, which fell six points shy of reaching a scoring total of triple digits. A close first half was forgotten quickly as the Warriors offense went on a run that crushed the chances for the University of Mary to stay in the game.
Corey Jeffs’ team-high 20 points paced the Warrior offense. Three other Warriors joined Jeffs with double-digit points including Conrad Masberg with 17, Riley Bambenek with 14 and Tim Wagner who had 13 points to lead the Warriors to their 94-68 victory.
The conclusion to the weekend had the Warriors facing Minot State in the end game of the Warrior two-week home stand. In a much closer game the Warriors secured their fourth straight win of the season.
Kyle Bauman, who recorded eight blocks for the Warriors in the game, anchored the defense. The game was close throughout until the Warriors made a run late in the game that was sealed by Bambenek’s three-pointer.
The Warriors used these performances to secure the 78-69 victory against the Beavers. The Warriors offense drove the team with a shooting percentage at .500 percent.
Bambenek led the team with 24 points while Isaiah Gray and Conrad Masberg also posted double-digit point totals of 12 and 16 respectfully.
Winona State is now 9-7 on the season and 6-6 in the NSIC. The Warriors will take on Augustana Jan. 23 and Wayne State Jan. 24, both of which are away games.