Box Score

WINONA, Minn.— Southwest Minnesota State (1-6, 1-2 NSIC) never got into a rhythm offensively and suffered from its lowest point total of the year as No. 14 Winona State (8-1, 3-0 NSIC) led almost the entire game on its way to a 60-36­­ victory on Saturday evening from the McCown Gymnasium.

The Mustangs were effective on the defensive end of the court holding Winona State to just 9-of-33 (27 percent) combined shooting in the second and third quarters. WSU scored just seven points in the third period but SMSU's lack of offensive cohesion kept the Mustangs from climbing back into the game.
 
Lauren Hedlund had another solid night of rebounding for SMSU pulling in 10 rebounds including four on the offensive glass. Caleigh Rodning led Southwest Minnesota State in scoring for the first time in her career with six points coming off the bench.
 
SMSU attempted seven three pointers in the opening quarter but connected on just three finishing 4-of-13 shooting in the game's opening period. Winona State conversely connected on 50 percent of its first quarter field goals to take a 10-point lead into the second. SMSU was unable to get their offense going in the second quarter either but Winona State went just 6-of-16 shooting in the quarter and got to the free throw line just once in the entire first half. Despite slowing down offensively in the second, Winona State went into halftime with a 34-20 lead.
 
The second half began with both teams continuing to struggle as the two sides combined for just five field goals in the third period (SMSU went 2-of-12 shooting while Winona State was 3-of-17). As the Mustangs still couldn't find any offense, Winona State found its shooting stroke in the final quarter going 8-of-13 (62 percent) from the field including 10 points in the paint. Winona State controlled the post much of the game finishing with a 30-8 advantage in points in the paint.
 
SMSU will return home next weekend as they host Minnesota Duluth on Friday at 6 p.m., followed by a game against St. Cloud State on Saturday at 5 p.m.