BOX SCORE

MARSHALL, Minn. – Southwest Minnesota State earned its first victory over Winona State in nearly seven years with a thrilling 66-64 victory on Saturday night in NSIC women's basketball.

SMSU's last victory over WSU was on Jan. 14, 2006.

SMSU (3-16, 2-12 NSIC) was led by Alison Nagel's 14 points and five rebounds, to lead four Mustangs in double figures.   Ellen Degler added 12 points and five rebounds off the bench.

WSU (14-7, 8-6 NSIC) was paced by Becca Friestleben, who poured in a game-high 23 points with five 3-pointers.

The opening half featured eight ties and 10 leads changes with SMSU taking its largest lead of the half at 22-18 with nine minutes and 46 seconds remaining following a 3-pointer by Alison Nagel. 

The teams played to a 32-32 halftime score, with SMSU shooting 48 percent from the field with two 3-pointers, while WSU shot 44 percent and connected on three 3-pointers.  Degler led the Mustangs with seven points, while Friestleben paced the Warriors with 10 points.

SMSU held the lead for nearly the entire second half, building its largest lead of the night at 56-46 with 5:53 remaining following a layup by Mikayla Saathoff.

The Warriors cut the deficit to 64-62 with 16 seconds left, but Nagle drilled a pair of free throws to give SMSU a 66-62 lead with 14 seconds remaining.  Following a WSU basket with five seconds left, SMSU missed a free throw with four seconds on the clock, but WSU was unable to get off a final shot to secure SMSU its first victory at home this season.

Southwest Minnesota State continues action next Friday, Feb. 1 at Bemidji State.

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