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Winona State Ends Northern State's NSIC Tournament Win Streak in 93-80 Win

Winona, Minn. – No. 6 Winona State ended No. 14 Northern State’s NSIC/Red Baron Championship run as they down the Wolves 93-80 in front of 3.500 fans at McCown Gym in Winona, Minn. This marks Winona State’s second NSIC Championship, the last coming in 2001. Winona State shot double the free throws as the Wolves in the game.

Northern State’s NSIC Tournament win streak ends at eight, which tied Minnesota-Duluth for the most consecutive wins ever.

Winona State’s David Zellman ( Lewiston, Minn.) was named NSIC/Red Baron Basketball Tournament Most Valuable Player after scoring 22 point in the Championship game. Matt Hammer (Sr., F, Elkton, S.D.) and Aaron Busack (Sr., F, Redwood Falls, Minn.) made history by being the first individuals to be named to the NSIC All-Tournament team for three consecutive years. Jonte Flowers and John Smith round out the NSIC All-Tournament team.

Northern State hopped out to an early 16-9 lead with four minutes gone before Winona State went on a 17-9 run to take their first lead, 36-25, with 10:30 left in the first half.

The Warriors would never trail again.

Northern State did not score a field goal the last 3:55 of the first half as the Warriors ended the half on a 14-3 run to lead 47-33.

Northern State would come as close as three in the second half following a 14-3 run midway through the second half. The Wolves had an opportunity to cut the lead to three again with eight minutes to go, but a Craig Nelson (R-So., G, Mayville, N.D.) three pointer went in and out. The Wolves would not come any closer than that as they lose to a team for three times in one season for the first time since Minnesota-Duluth got a hat trick versus the Wolves back in 2000-01.

Winona State finished the game shooting 47.5% (28-of-59) from the field and 11-of-22 from three point range. The Warriors also held a huge advantage at the free-throw line as they were 26-of-31 (84%) while the Wolves were only 11-of-15 (73%) from the line.

Leading scorer for the Wolves was Matt Hammer who scored 28 points on 11-of-14 shooting, grabbed seven rebounds and dished out six assists. Adam Grant (Sr., F, Berthold, N.D.) and Craig Nelson both scored 11 points while Busack came in with nine points.

Northern State will advance to the North Central Regional on March 11 th, opponent, and site to be determined Sunday night.

Press Notes