WINONA, Minn. – MSU Moorhead men's basketball drained 13 three-pointers, including 10 in the first half, as the Dragons snapped their five-game losing streak Saturday afternoon. The Dragons defeated (RV) Winona State, 92-80.
The Dragons would surge out of the gates, earning a 13-2 lead with
Carson Johnson connecting on a pull-up to get the scoring started.
JaMir Price would net five points in the early tempest while
Sam Hastreiter drained a three-pointer. Johnson would make MSUM's third three to push the Dragon advantage to 16-2.
MSUM was not done there as Hastreiter would nail another triple before Johnson connected on a three while being fouled. The freshman made the ensuing free throw for the rare four-point play. Midway through the first half, MSUM held a 36-17 lead as Johnson had 13 points to that point. The difference early was clearly the three-point look as MSUM made six of their first eight attempts.
Logan Kinsey would get hot from there, drilling another pair of threes to move MSUM's total to nine for the half. MSUM would lead by 20 points (45-25) with under five minutes to play in the first half. At the break, MSUM would lead 50-34 behind 10 made three-pointers (on 15 attempts). Johnson led MSUM with 16 points while Kinsey added 11 with three triples. The Dragons shot 60 percent from the floor overall in the half.
Winona State came out of the locker room and was immediately able to pull the game within 10 points. Hastreiter would answer the Warriors with another three to open the half for the Dragons. While Winona State was finding ways to score the ball, MSUM was able to seemingly respond at every turn. The Warriors would be able to whittle the deficit down to seven points midway through the half (67-60).
However, MSUM would respond with a 6-0 run to push the lead back into the double digits. A pair of makes from Johnson led the way in the stretch. The Dragons would eventually stretch their lead back out to 14 points before Winona State made a final push. Winona State would come back within seven points with less than four minutes to play (82-75). From there, MSUM would be able to create some separation by getting to the foul line and sinking shots from the stripe. Johnson, Kinsey and Hastreiter all connected to keep MSUM up 12 points (90-78) with a minute to go.
The Dragons would win the game 92-80, making 13 three-pointers in the game. Johnson led MSUM with 24 points while Price added 21 points with eight rebounds and four assists. Hastreiter added a Dragon career-best 17 points with five made triples. The Dragons shot 53.4 percent for the game, including a 52 percent mark from long range.
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MSUM (11-7, 6-6 NSIC) returns to Nemzek Fieldhouse next Friday for a matchup with Augustana. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
