MANKATO, Minn. — Top-seeded Minnesota State won the battle of the backboards — and the game — defeating No. 8-seed Colorado Mines in the quarterfinals of a NCAA Division II Central Regional.
The Orediggers shot almost 58 percent (30-of-52) for the game, including almost 64 percent in the first half while building a nine-point halftime lead. But MSU took 12 more shots than Mines, thanks to a 44-33 rebounding edge, and it attempted 39 free throws, making 27, while the Orediggers were 11-of-16 at the foul line.
The Mavericks clawed back to tie the game 63-63 with 6:24 left, then took the lead for good at the 4:02 mark on a jumper by Marcus Hill.
Sean Armstrong led Mines with 25 points, and Brett Green added 14.
Mesa State 73, Winona State 68
MANKATO, Minn. — Persistence paid off for the No. 2-seeded Mavericks, who fell behind early and were down by 10 points in the second half, then climbed back to take the lead on Mike Dominguez’s jumper with 7:59 left.
Brian Kenshalo followed with a 3-pointer to give Mesa a 54-50 lead.
Dominguez was 6-for-6 from the free-throw line in the final three minutes. It was the first win for Mesa in the Division II Tournament.
Dominguez and Kenshalo led Mesa with 19 points. Sean Flohr, who was 4-for-4 at the line down the stretch, added 14 points, and Lance Fite scored 10.
Ben Fischer had 20 points for the Warriors, the seventh seed.
Mesa advances to play Augustana (S.D.), which beat New Mexico Highlands 87-73, in a semifinal at 4 p.m. today.
AREA WOMEN
Fort Lewis 79, Augustana (S.D.) 52
DURANGO — Balanced on offense and tough on defense, the Skyhawks advanced to the Central Regional final with the win in front of crowd of 1,275 at Whalen Gymnasium.
Alison Rosel led four Skyhawks in double figures with 14 points. Audrey George had a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Fort Lewis held the Vikings to less than 30 percent shooting (9-of-33) in the first half and led 43-22 at the break.
Concordia-St. Paul 83, CSU-Pueblo 56
DURANGO — The Thunderwolves ran out of magic and were not able to win their fifth straight elimination game, falling behind early and never threatening in the loss to No. 3-seed Concordia.
The Golden Bears hit nine 3-pointers in the first half to build a 45-19 halftime lead, while the T-wolves, the seventh seed, missed 12 of their first 15 shots.
Post staff and wire services
