Box Score
WAYNE, NEB: Southwest Minnesota State shot just 23.1 percent (6 of 26) in the second half and dropped a 72-60 decision to Wayne State on Saturday night in Wayne, Neb. The loss was SMSU's fourth in a row after beginning the season 8-3. SMSU is now 8-7 on the season and 3-4 NSIC. Wayne State improves to 9-7 overall, 4-3 NSIc.
SMSU built an early 23-14 lead with 8:53 left in the opening half on a three-pointer by Andrew Peschong. Wayne State answered back with a 14-2 run and took a three-point 38-35 halftime lead.
The Mustangs took a 42-41 lead with 15:28 remaining in the second half but that was SMSU's final lead as the Mustangs struggled shooting in the final half and lost for the 20th time in 22 all-time games in Wayne, Neb.
Wayne State's Bryce Caldwell led all scorers with 22 points and in the process reached the 1,000th career point scoring mark.
Matt Fletcher scored a team-high 18 points connecting on four three-pointers. Ryan Krome added a season-high 14 points. SMSU's second leading scorer Travis Krenske struggled from the field hitting on just 2 of 12 shots and finished with five points.
Wayne State held a 43-27 rebound advantage including 15 offensive rebounds. SMSU ended the night shooting 34 percent from the field (18 of 53) while WSC shot a solid 47.2 percent (25 of 53) including 10 of 19 on three-pointers.
SMSU will return home to begin a four-game homestand next weekend hosting MSU Moorhead and Concordia on Jan. 18-19.
