Warriors Extend Winning Streak to Four with Tight 60-57 Victory Over Wayne State
The Winona State Warriors extended their winning streak to four games with a hard-fought victory over Wayne State, finishing the contest at 60-57. This tightly contested match featured 16 ties and 16 lead changes, showcasing the intensity and competitiveness between the teams.
Game Summary
In the first half, Winona State trailed 28-26 at halftime after a challenging battle. They surged ahead in the second half, mainly due to key performances from players like Alessandro Tonelli and Gavyn Hurley, who played pivotal roles in crucial moments.
Key Moments
- Tonelli opened the scoring with a three-pointer, giving WSU a 3-0 lead.
- Jaron Crews scored a layup to give Winona State a narrow edge at 9-7.
- A layup by Aurrion Harris put Wayne State ahead 15-13.
- Ryan Heise hit two consecutive three-pointers, propelling WSU to a 23-20 lead.
- Free throws from Hurley allowed the Warriors to regain the lead at 26-25.
- Kai Smith’s three-pointer gave the Wildcats a slight lead into halftime.
Second Half Highlights
The second half saw the Warriors regain momentum. Hurley’s layup kept WSU close, and he later scored on free throws to give the team a 37-36 lead. However, Wayne State responded quickly.
- Crews scored back-to-back baskets, giving WSU a 49-47 advantage with 5:19 left.
- Tonelli’s crucial three-pointer pushed the lead to 52-49 with just over three minutes remaining.
- Mason extended the lead to 54-49 before JJ Ferrin narrowed the gap with a three-pointer.
The game concluded dramatically with Kai Smith’s last-second three-pointer, closing the gap to 59-57. However, the Warriors held on for the win.
Statistical Overview
| Category | Winona State | Wayne State |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goals | 19-of-53 (35.8%) | 23-of-64 (35.9%) |
| Three-Pointers | 5-of-19 (26.3%) | 6-of-28 (21.4%) |
| Rebounds | 43 | 32 |
| Top Scorer | Hurley (19 points) | Smith (15 points) |
Gavyn Hurley delivered an impressive performance with 19 points and a game-high 12 rebounds, marking a double-double. Teammates Jaron Crews, Ryan Heise, and Tyler Mason contributed significantly, each scoring 10 points.
Upcoming Matches
The Warriors are set to conclude their home stand on February 7, facing Augustana at 3:00 PM in McCown Gymnasium. Fans can expect another thrilling matchup as Winona State seeks to maintain their winning streak at Filmogaz.com.
