Warriors top unbeaten Grand Valley State
By Jeff Bersch | Winona Daily News

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — After a horrendous end to the first half, the Winona State University men’s basketball rebounded in the second half and advanced at the NCAA Division II Elite Eight.

The Warriors started the second half strong and rode that momentum to a 67-54 victory over previously unbeaten Grand Valley State (Mich.) at MassMutual Center.
WSU will face either Bentley (Mass.) or North Alabama at 7:30 p.m. today in the semifinals. The championship game is set for Saturday.

After grabbing a 24-11 lead on a 15-foot jumper by Jonte Flowers, the Warriors went cold. They didn’t score the final 11:41 of the half, seeing GVSU take a 29-24 lead at halftime.

The Warriors (36-1) quickly tied the game in the second half and too the lead for good at 33-31 on a rebound and follow by Flowers. The Lakers (36-1) got as close as 50-46 with 6:40 to play, but a dunk by John Smith ignited WSU to 7-0 run for a 47-46 lead.

Flowers scored 29 points to lead the Warriors, while Quincy Henderson had 10. Smith added six points and eight rebounds.

For more on the game, read Thursday’s Winona Daily News.

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