On Saturday, Jan. 26, the Southwest Minnesota State University women’s basketball team defeated Winona State 66-64 for the first time in almost seven years.

WSU remained within points of the Mustangs throughout the entire game. In the first half alone, there were eight ties and ten lead changes. With just under ten minutes left in the first half, the Mustangs took their largest lead of the half at 22-18. The teams left for halftime with the score tied at 32-32. The Mustangs shot 48 percent from the field and connected on two 3-pointers, compared to WSU’s 44 percent and three 3-pointers.

The Mustangs held the lead throughout most of the second half, building up a 56-46 lead, their largest of the game, with just under six minutes of playing time remaining. However, WSU fought their way back and cut the deficit to 64-62 with 16 seconds left. A pair of free throws by Alison Nagle gave the Mustangs a 66-62 lead. WSU drained a field goal with five seconds left. The Mustangs responded by missing a free throw with four seconds remaining. However, WSU was not able to get a shot off, giving the Mustangs a 66-64 victory. The win marks SMSU’s first home victory of the season.

The Mustangs were paced by Nagle, who ended the night with 14 points and five rebounds. Ellen Degler chipped in 12 points and pulled down four rebounds.

With the win, the Mustangs improve to an overall record of 3-16 and 2-12 in the NSIC. WSU falls to 14-7 overall and 8-6 in the NSIC.