Box Score Winona, MN – In a matchup of extremes, the University of Mary fought past several disadvantages to throw a scare into one of the top teams in the nation. The Marauders grabbed an early lead and led at intermission but #21 Winona State University claimed a 77-64 win in the opening round of the Northern Sun / Sanford Health Men's Basketball Tournament.
 
The Marauders entered the tournament as the seventh seed in the NSIC North and has two players on the roster that stand taller than 6-4. Winona State finished a game out of first place in the conference, is ranked second in the region and started four players 6-5 or taller. The Warriors also had history on their side, owning a 12-1 record over the Marauders, including 2-0 playoff mark.
 
U-Mary didn't let past issues stand in the way, taking the attack directly to WSU. A Josh Turner three-pointer gave the Marauders an early 3-2 lead that would stand up all through the first half.
 
A 10-0 run featuring five points from Jalen Jaspers and a three-point basket from Mike Johnson gave the Marauders their largest lead of the night at 27-16.
 
The Warriors closed the gap to one point late in the first half but a three-pointer in the final minute by Josh Turner ensured that U-Mary would enter the break leading, holding a 34-33 advantage.
 
The game would turn in the opening moments of the second half as the Warriors scored the first ten points to permanently take a lead. The Marauders failed to score in their first six possessions before Mike Johnson nailed a three-pointer. Winona State eventually outscored U-Mary 34-9 to build a 67-43 lead with 7:49 remaining to play.
 
Not done for the night, the Marauders posted an 18-4 run to close the game to ten. The Warriors quickly called a time out to insert their starting lineup.
 
Jalen Jaspers led the Marauders with 19 points and eight rebounds. He was 8-of-12 from the field. Josh Turner, in his last game for U-Mary added 15 points and three assists.
 
Clayton Vette was one of five Warriors in double figures. He posted 18 points, 13 rebounds and three assists. Taylor Cameron had 13 points and eight rebounds. Grant Johnson and Xavier Humphrey each scored 12 points and Mark Blacklock scored 11 off the bench.
 
The Marauders conclude the 20120-13 season 4-23 overall. The Warriors are 24-6 and next face Bemidji State University in the NSIC quarterfinals.


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