Box Score
WINONA, Minn. – Losing games by 22 points is not Minot State University head coach Peter Stewart goal.

But after an embarrassing loss Friday to Upper Iowa, Minot State's loss to Winona State, one of the top teams in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, was a step in the right direction.

MSU pushed Winona State for about 30 minutes before the Warriors pulled away for a 98-76 win in NCAA Division II men's basketball Saturday at McCown Gymnasium.

“We finally had our full group tonight and overall I was pleased,” said Stewart. “I think we may have played a top five team in the country and really competed.”

MSU trailed just 46-38 at halftime, but gave up 62.1 percent shooting by the Warriors (3-1 overall) in the second half and were outscored 52-38. MSU hit 13 of 52 shots from the floor in the first half – one fewer made baskets than the entire game Friday – and played solid basketball.

“Big runs in the second half hurt us,” Stewart said. “With Division I transfer Clayton Vette in the post, it makes it hard.”

The Beavers (0-4) got a big night from junior Josh Johnson (F, Lufkin, Texas) who scored 19 points and pulled down five rebounds in 36 minutes. MSU's other transfer who redshirted last season Yonas Behre (Jr., G, Toronto, Ontario) added 15 points and two assists.

“Josh and Yonas provided the stability and leadership we were expecting,” Stewart said. “It allowed us to play Jonas Pollard (Sr., G, Mesa, Ariz.) and others at their true positions.”

Pollard finished with 10 points and six rebounds, scoring 30 points in the two games in Winona.

Jon Walburg finished with 19 points for Winona State, leading six players in double figures. Zander Culver added 15, Vetter 14 points and 13 rebounds, Grant Johnson 12 points, Xavier Humphrey 11 and CJ Erickson 10 for the Warriors.

Chris East (So., G, Toronto, Ontario) also hit for double figures for MSU with 11 points and three rebounds.

MSU has a quick turnaround week as they travel to the University of Mary on Tuesday (7 p.m.) and plays in a tournament at Bemidji State Friday and Saturday.