> Box Score
MARSHALL, Minn. – Southwest Minnesota State opened its exhibition season today with a 67-60 victory over the SMSU Alumni at the R/A Facility.
The game was part of the annual "Andy Wiersma Day" at SMSU. Proceeds from today's game went towards the "AW" Memorial Scholarship Fund. Wiersma played at SMSU from 2002-06, appearing in 112 games and scoring 418 points. He died in an auto accident on July 27, 2008.
SMSU stormed to a 22-2 lead in the game's first six and a half minutes and closed the first half connecting on nine 3-pointers in building a 38-25 halftime lead.
The Alumni cut the deficit to six on a handful of times midway through the second half, but SMSU was able to hold off the former Mustangs to earn the victory.
Cole Martin led SMSU with 12 points, while Travis Meinders added 11 points. Carter Kirk scored eight points and pulled down a game-high 12 rebounds. Mitch Weg also reached double figures in rebounds with 10 and scored six points.
SMSU shot 42 percent and finished with 11 3-pointers, but committed 21 turnovers.
The Alumni finished the game shooting 30 percent and made just 5 of 24 3-pointers. Jordan Miller paced the Alumni team with 10 points and five rebounds.
SMSU will continue exhibition play on Thursday, Nov. 6, taking on Division I University of Nebraska and former SMSU head coach Tim Miles. SMSU will also host St. Olaf on Monday, Nov. 10, for its final exhibition contest.
