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The Winona State Warriors will start their defense of the 2008 National Championship when they take on St. Mary's University at 8pm, Saturday night in McCown Gym.

The Warriors won last years contest with St. Mary's 118-53, as 6 Warriors scored in double figures led Josh Korth's career night of 28 points (7-10) on 3's. Joining him in double figures for the game were John Smith (17), Jonte' Flowers (16), Quincy Henderson (16), Brent Riese (11) and Matt Smith (10). The Warriors also enjoyed a huge rebounding advantage on the game collecting 50 rebounds to St. Mary's 32. Quincy Henderson lead all Warriors in the rebound category with 10.

This years contest between the two college town teams should once again be entertaining as the Cardinals return their two top scorers from last season in Sophomores Will Wright and Lukas Holland along with having a new head coach in Tood Landrum. Wright, who was named to the MIAC All-Freshman team last season, averaged 17.3 points a game to lead the Cardinals. He also lead the Cardinals in their contest between the Warriors last season when he put up 20 points on (8-13) shooting. Holland, a point guard from LaCrosse, Wis., averaged 13.8 points last season for the Cardinals which was second on the team. Those two combined to be one of the top back court combinations in the MIAC and they again will be looked upon to lead the Cardinals this season. Also returning for the Cardinals this season will the combination of twin brothers in, Josh and Brad Knights. Both of the Knights saw considerable action last year for St. Mary's and this year should be no different as they will two of the other leaders on the floor for them this season. The rest of the St. Mary's roster is full of new players who are gearing up for their first contest for the season. You can learn more about St. Mary's and this years squad by clicking on this link: http://www.saintmaryssports.com/index.aspx?tab=basketball&path=mbball

Go Warriors!!!!