WINONA, Minn. — As if opening their season with an exhibition game against NCAA Division I Northern Illinois wasn't tough enough, the Saint Mary's University men's basketball team officially opened its season against NCAA Division II Winona State Friday evening.

Defending NCAA Division II national champion Winona State — a team that already boasts wins over NCAA Division I schools Drake and the University of Minnesota.

Yes, that University of Minnesota.

And the Warriors weren't very gracious hosts, as Winona State cruised to a 22-point halftime lead and never looked back, rolling to a 98-54 victory at McCown Gymnasium.

"I don't know what to say, we just did not show up ready to play," said SMU coach Mike Trewick. "I think in a way we were a little bit intimidated by (Winona State), but you have to give them a lot of credit — they are a very good team.

"I think we made them look a little too good — but they are very good."

The Cardinals hung close early, trailing by just eight, 21-13, only to have Winona State go on a 15-3 run during a four-minute span to jump out front 36-16. The Warriors then closed out the half scoring 17 of the final 24 points to take a 53-31 lead into the locker room at the half.

"We struggled at times, both offensively and defensively, but that's going to happen when you are starting three freshmen," said Trewick, whose team returns to the court Saturday night, playing host to UW-Eau Claire in a 7:30 p.m. contest. "It was just one of those nights … we didn't do anything very well.

"About the only good thing to come out of this game is the fact that we get to get right back on the court (Saturday). This game's over, and it won't be hard to put it behind us — but we've got to come and play better (against UW-Eau Claire), or we're going to be in trouble."