Winona, Minn. – The Winona State men’s basketball team kicked off their 2025-26 season with a strong exhibition win against Saint Mary’s University, clinching a 79-49 victory.
Right from the start, the Warriors took control of the game, scoring the first 15 points. Four players managed to score in double figures, showcasing the team’s depth and talent.
Game Highlights:
Coach Todd Eisner had a chance to evaluate his new roster in front of enthusiastic home fans at McCown Gymnasium. The Warriors began with a quick offensive burst, with Ryan Heise and Gavyn Hurley contributing heavily right off the bat. Although Saint Mary’s briefly cut the score to 22-10, Heise’s layup and three-pointer pushed the lead back to 27-12. By halftime, Winona State had built a dominating 42-14 lead.
In the second half, the Warriors continued their momentum. Freshman Aidan Bardic made a significant impact, scoring five points during a 9-0 run that extended the lead to 42-14. More highlights included a dunk from Ryan Watters and additional points from Jackson Hayes toward the game’s end. Bardic finished the game with a perfect shooting record, making 16 points on seven attempts.
Statistical Insights:
- The Warriors shot an impressive 54.0% from the field, while Saint Mary’s managed just 37.5%.
- Winona State dominated rebounds, 40-26.
- Both teams made seven three-pointers; however, the Warriors had a slight edge in accuracy.
- Winona State recorded 18 assists, compared to Saint Mary’s eight.
- Defensively, the Warriors forced 20 turnovers, resulting in 25 points off those mistakes.
Player Performance:
Bardic led all scorers with 16 points, followed by Heise (15), Hurley (12), and Hayes (11). Heise and Alessandro Tonelli each grabbed six rebounds, while Tyler Mason contributed five assists.
On the other hand, Saint Mary’s Josh Palmer led his team with nine points. Despite the loss, players like Jackson Harvey and Sawyer Markham showed promise, each scoring eight points.
Looking ahead, Winona State will start their regular season on November 14 against Southern Arkansas University in Pittsburg, Kansas. As the team prepares, optimism runs high with a talented group ready for the challenges ahead.
