WINONA, Minn. --- #17 Minnesota State was handed its first loss of the season Saturday afternoon as it fell to Winona State 73-59 on the road.

With the loss, the Mavericks drop to 7-1 on the season, with a 2-1 NSIC record. With the win, the Warriors improve to 6-2, including a 2-1 NSIC record.

The game remained close through the first eight minutes of the opening stanza as both teams were tied at 14-14. Freshman Brady Williams recorded six of MSU's points during the opening stretch, while Connor Drew notched five points for the Warriors. WSU then went on a 7-0 run to go up 21-14 at the midpoint of the first half.

The Mavericks managed to work their way back within two points of the Warriors at 34-32 with less than a minute to go in the half, but WSU was able to record a pair of three pointers in the closing seconds to take a 40-32 lead into halftime.

Williams led the Maverick offense in the first half with 10 points, while sophomore Malik Willingham notched seven points. As a team, MSU shot 48.1% from the field in the first half.

Devin Whitelow led the WSU offense in the first half with 10 points, while Drew tallied nine. As a team, WSU shot 56.7% from the field in the first half.

The second half saw the Warriors maintain their lead throughout the final 20 minutes. Minnesota State managed to cut the WSU lead to six with 7:34 to go at 58-52, but the Mavericks would get no closer as Winona State came away with the 73-59 win.

Sophomore Quincy Anderson led the Maverick offense with 20 points and six rebounds, while Williams finished with 12 points. Malik Willingham added 10 points as well, while junior Kelby Kramer hauled in nine rebounds.

As a team, MSU shot 45.1% from the field. The Mavericks also hauled in 33 rebounds and blocked seven shots.

Whitelow led the Warriors with 18 points and six assists , while Drew added 17 points. Luke Martens notched a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds also.

As a team, WSU shot 46.0% from the field, including an 11-of-23 (.478) showing from three point range.

Minnesota State continues is season on the road this Friday as it takes on the Augustana Vikings. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
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