Feb. 24, 2007
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WINONA, Minn. (McGown Gymnasium) -- The No.
1-ranked Winona State University men's basketball team completed
a perfect 2006-07 regular season with a 76-60 Northern Sun
Intercollegiate Conference victory over Bemidji State University
Saturday at McGown Gymnasium in Winona, Minn.
The Warriors used a 20-8 run mid-way through
the first half to separate themselves from BSU and would not
look back as the repeat NSIC Champion moved to 27-0 overall
and 18-0 in NSIC play. The team has now won 48 straight contests
dating back to a 84-79 loss to Bemidji State Jan. 7, 2006.
The Beavers were led by Alex Smith
(Jr., F, Miami, Fla.) who posted team-highs of 12 points and
seven rebounds. Senior Dan Sowu (G, Chicago,
Ill.) scored 11 on an efficient 4-of-6 from the field, 2-of-2
from beyond the arc and hit his only free-throw attempt. Marques
Ramos (Jr., G/F, Henderson, Nev.) and Seth
Haake (Fr., G, Eden Prairie, Minn.) each added nine
points.
Zack Malvik paced a quartet of WSU players
in double-figures with a game-high 20 points. Jon Smith added
12 points and grabbed a game-high eight rebounds.
The Beavers held a 40-35 rebounding edge,
out scored WSU 28-22 in the paint and recorded 12 second-chance
points to the Warriors' nine.
Despite a 10-minute span during the first
half, BSU played right with the Warriors.
Thanks largely to solid shooting performances
from Haake and Smith, who recorded seven and eight points
respectively in the second half, BSU was 14-of-28 from the
field and 5-of-8 from downtown during the final 20 minutes
to match WSU with 37 points in the final frame.
Winona State now holds a 76-66 all-time lead
in the all-time series between the teams.
Although the NSIC slate has not been completed due to weather-related
power outages in Fayette, Iowa, the seventh place Beavers
(5-22; 5-13 NSIC) know exactly where their post season will
begin. Wednesday, the team will travel to Marshall, Minn.
to battle No. 2 seed Southwest Minnesota State. Tip off is
slated for 7 p.m. at the R/A Facility.
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