WINONA STATE TOOK ON MINNESOTA STATE MANKATO IN A MEN'S BASKETBALL GAME

Minnesota State Mankato took on Winona State in a men's NSIC semifinal game at Concordia St. Paul.

Both teams got off to a quick start as each team was able to make shots.

Mankato looked to get the ball into the hands of Cammron Hodges. Hodges was all over the court. He knew where his teammates were on the floor at all times.

At the first media timeout with 15:08 left to go the score was Minnesota State 10 Winona State 7.

Winona State used a zone defense throughout the first half. They looked to try to spread Minnesota State Mankato out.

Winona State went on a run midway through the first half.

With 11:13 left in the first half at the second media timeout the score was Winona State 17 and Minnesota State Mankato 11.

Minnesota State Mankato went on a run midway through the first half. Marcus Hill was all over the court. Hill took the ball hard to the basket. If he was not open he could dish off the ball to his teammates and was able to get the assist. Hill also was able to step up and knock down a few deep three-point shots.

Both teams played with a lot of emotion and intensity. They dove on the floor after loose balls. It was a defensive battle throughout the first half.

With 3:56 left in the first half there was a media timeout. The score was Minnesota State Mankato 29 and Winona State 23.

The score went back and forth late in the first half. Neither team went on a run.

In a very physical first half at halftime the score was Minnesota State Mankato 35 and Winona State 31.

As the second half got underway Winona State continued to look to get the ball inside and make easy passes.

Minnesota State Mankato did a good job of moving the ball around the three-point line.

The score went back and forth throughout the second half. It was a very evenly matched game.

Both teams did a good job of defending each other.

The game was tied at 47 with 13:52 left in regulation.

Neither team gave on either end of the floor. Winona State continued to pressure Minnesota State Mankato. They were able to handle the pressure.

With 11:30 left in regulation the score was Winona State 51 and Minnesota State Mankato 47.

Winona State went on a run midway through the second half. They were able to get a 62-53 lead with 7:19 left in regulation.

Winona State continued to shoot the ball well down the stretch.

Winona State called a timeout with 4:37 left in regulation with the score Winona State 65 and Minnesota State Mankato 55.

Minnesota State Mankato made a run late in the game. They didn't back down. They were able to attack the basket late and came up with some nice baskets.

The game came down to the wire. Minnesota State Mankato gave it all they got. Winona State came away with the 82-74 victory over Minnesota State Mankato.

The leading scorers for Minnesota State Mankato were Marcus Hill with 28 points, Jefferson Mason with 18 points and Cameron Hodges with 17 points. They shot 24-51 from the field including 8-23 from behind the three-point line. Minnesota State Mankato also shot 18-20 from the free throw line.

The leading scorers for Winona State were Jon Walberg with 15 points and Brad Meyer and Xaiver Humphrey each with 14 points. They shot 26-53 from the field including 6-18 from behind the three-point line. Winona State also shot 24-33 from the free throw line.

After the game I was able to talk to Winona State player Kellen Taylor, about the game. I was also able to talk to Winona State's head coach Mike Leaf about the game.