MARSHALL, Minn. – Winona State University women's basketball salvaged a weekend split in another close conference contest on Saturday night, outlasting Southwest Minnesota State University, 68-66.
Hannah McGlone's first quarter layup opened the scoring in the Warriors' road trip finale in what proved to be her second double-double on the weekend.
Winona and SMSU traded baskets in and physical opening quarter as the Warrior defense limited the Mustangs to just nine points. Gabie Doud came in off the bench and made an immediate impact with seven points in the first quarter.
The second quarter saw SMSU come out with a quick 5-0 run to take the lead, but a three-pointer by Allie Pickrain quickly halted the Mustang run. Pickrain drained three shots from beyond the arc in the second quarter to help the Warriors to a 30-26 lead into the break.
Winona State stepped on the gas pedal offensively after halftime. The Warriors started the third quarter on an 18-0 run to build their largest lead of the game (22) before the Mustangs sunk a free throw to end their drought.
WSU switched to zone defense in the second half which seemed to frustrate the Mustang offense and force them to turn over the ball seven times.
Trailing by a 55-38 count on their home floor, the Mustangs suddenly got hot from beyond the arc to open the final quarter, mounting a 18-4 run to cut their deficit to three points with under four minutes to play.
The Warriors stretched their lead back to nine points with a minute to go, and were able to hold off Southwest for the victory, 68-66.
McGlone dominated the post once again, finishing with 19 points and 13 rebounds. Doud chipped in a season-best 17 points off the Warrior bench. Pickrain reached double figures for the sixth time in her young career dropping 13 points on the night.
The Warriors shot 43% from the field and were 7-22 from beyond the arc. Collectively, Winona State forced 18 turnovers on the night cashing in with 13 points.
WSU improves to 6-2 (2-1 NSIC) with the victory while SMSU falls to 2-4 (1-2 NSIC).
Winona State returns home to McCown Gymnasium on Friday, December 8th at 6 p.m. to host Minnesota State University-Mankato.
