Winona State University men’s basketball hit the road this weekend, traveling to Wayne State University in Wayne, Nebraska and Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. As of their game on Saturday, Jan. 13, the Warriors had been on a four-game winning streak, which ended with their game against the Wayne State Wildcats.

The Warriors lead by the end of the first half 34-31. The second half kicked off with a 14-5 Warrior lead from a 3-point shot by senior Corey Jeffs. This gave the Warriors a 12-point advantage, the largest of the night. The Wildcats fought back eight more points as the Warriors went on a point-less five-minute spout. The Wildcats scored three more points for their team, giving them the lead for the first time in the second half. The remainder of the second half was a back and forth fight between the teams, ultimately ending in a Warrior loss of 69-67.

“Last night’s game was a tough one for all of us to swallow,” first-year Isaiah Easaw said. “It was definitely a game we let slip away from us.”

Following the end of the game, the team continued to Sioux Falls to play against the Augustana University Vikings on Saturday. The first half of the game gave the Vikings a strong lead, ending 26-24. The Warriors fought hard in the second half, exchanging the lead nine times before the final buzzer. The largest lead of eight points was held by the Warriors during the second half. Only 11 of the 31 shots attempted by the Warriors were missed, gaining the Warriors 60 points in 20 minutes.

With 4:21 left on the clock, the Vikings took the lead 71-66, but the Warriors kept fighting. Junior Tommy Gathje scored three points, closing the gap to 73-72 with 3:24 left on the clock. Junior Mason Domask gave the team its final lead with a layup. The Warriors beat the Vikings 84-80.

“Playing at home rather than on the road definitely provides more familiarity and comfort, but there are still no excuses,” Easaw said.  “At the end of the day the good teams find a way to win, whether they are at home or not.”

The Winona State University Men’s Basketball team hopes to continue their winning streak with their away games against Minot State University and University of Mary this weekend, Friday, Jan. 26 and Saturday, Jan. 27.