Winona State Basketball: Final Road Trip & Senior Day Schedule | 2025-26 Season

WINONA, Minnesota – The Winona State University men’s basketball team enters the final stretch of its 2025-26 regular season with a challenging road-home sequence, facing Minnesota State University, Mankato, on February 19, and hosting St. Cloud State University on February 21. The Warriors are looking to build momentum as they prepare for the upcoming Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Postseason Tournament.

The team will first travel to Mankato to take on the Mavericks at 7:30 PM on Thursday. Winona State holds a 64-97 all-time record against Minnesota State, having secured an 83-75 victory at home earlier this season on December 4, 2025. The Mavericks, currently ranked third in the NSIC Preseason Coaches’ Poll, present a significant test for the Warriors.

Returning to Winona, the Warriors will celebrate Senior Day while battling the St. Cloud State Huskies at 3:00 PM on Saturday in McCown Gymnasium. Winona State’s historical record against St. Cloud State stands at 53-105, including an 84-50 defeat on December 6, 2025, in St. Cloud. St. Cloud State is currently enjoying a 14-game winning streak and recently claimed the NSIC Championship, marking their first title in 50 years.

Winona State enters the week with a 9-16 overall record and an 8-12 mark in NSIC play, following a pair of recent losses to Southwest Minnesota State (SMSU) and Sioux Falls. The team was initially ranked ninth in the NSIC Preseason Coaches’ Poll.

Head Coach Todd Eisner is in his 11th season leading the Warriors, having amassed a record of 167-134 during his tenure. His team currently averages 68.6 points per game while conceding 75.5, highlighting an area for improvement as the season nears its conclusion.

Offensively, the Warriors are shooting 44.0% from the field and 31.9% from three-point range. They demonstrate strength at the free-throw line, converting 74.7% of their attempts, placing them third in the NSIC in that category.

Tyler Mason leads the Warriors in scoring, averaging 14.0 points per game with a 42.7% shooting percentage. He also boasts the team’s highest free-throw percentage at 87.5%. Ryan Heise contributes significantly with 13.9 points per game and 5.8 rebounds, recently achieving a career-high 30 points against Sioux Falls. Gavyn Hurley adds 12.9 points per game and a team-leading 6.9 rebounds, while Aidan Bardic directs the offense with 3.1 assists per game.

Minnesota State University, Mankato, comes into the contest with an 18-10 overall record and a 12-8 NSIC record. Their recent form has been mixed, with a loss to Augustana snapping a 10-game winning streak, followed by a road win against Wayne State. Head Coach Matt Margenthaler, in his 25th season, has a career record of 526-233.

The Mavericks average 78.8 points per game while allowing 74.0. Traijan Sain leads their scoring with 13.3 points per game, while Malcolm Jones contributes 12.2 points and a team-best 7.6 rebounds. Arhman Lewis adds 12.2 points and 6.0 assists per game, ranking second in the NSIC in that category.

St. Cloud State, riding a 14-game winning streak, presents a formidable challenge. The Huskies are 21-5 overall and 18-2 in NSIC play. Head Coach Quincy Henderson is in his fourth year, with a 63-52 record. They are known for their strong defense, allowing an NSIC-best 66.5 points per game.

Luke Winkel leads St. Cloud State in scoring with 18.4 points per game and also contributes a team-leading 4.0 assists. Bob Briechen averages 12.1 points, and Wyatt Hawks adds 11.6 points and a team-high 8.5 rebounds, second-best in the NSIC.

Following the games against Minnesota State and St. Cloud State, the Warriors will await seeding for the 12-team NSIC Postseason Tournament. First-round matchups are scheduled for Wednesday, February 25, at the home courts of the higher-seeded teams.

Winona State University has announced that all ticketing for the remainder of the season will be fully digital, encouraging fans to purchase tickets online in advance. Cash will not be accepted at the gate.