Gopher Glory: A Deep Dive into U of M Athletics

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The Minnesota women’s basketball squad (15-1, 3-1 B1G) rallied from an 11-point deficit to defeat the Illinois Fighting Illini (11-4, 1-3 B1G) 68-61 at Williams Arena on Sunday afternoon. This victory also represented head coach Dawn Plitzuweit‘s 400th career triumph. Plitzuweit possesses an overall record of 400-158 and stands at 35-17 in her second year directing the Golden Gophers. 

The Maroon & Gold witnessed five players score in double digits, spearheaded by Grace Grocholski, who recorded 19 points, seven rebounds, and three steals. Annika Stewart contributed 11 points off the bench, while Tori McKinney added 11 points and five assists.

Minnesota secured 40 rebounds during Sunday’s matchup, compared to Illinois’ 39, with Mallory Heyer leading the way with 10 boards.

The Minnesota defense restricted Illinois shooters to a mere 35 percent shooting from the field. The Fighting Illini struggled to capitalize on second chances, managing only nine offensive rebounds and scoring four points off those opportunities, while Minnesota amassed 31 defensive rebounds.

How It Occurred

Minnesota initiated the scoring with a 7-0 run, finished off by a basket from Sophie Hart, taking an early advantage with 7:22 remaining in the first quarter. However, the Gophers eventually relinquished that lead and entered the second quarter trailing 18-15.

The beginning of the second quarter saw Minnesota embark on a 5-0 run, highlighted by a basket from Amaya Battle, securing a 20-18 lead. The Fighting Illini fought back to level the score at 27-27 as they headed into halftime. Minnesota excelled from long distance in this period, sinking two three-pointers that accounted for six of its 12 points.

Following the break, Illinois took a 46-35 advantage before Minnesota responded with a 5-0 run, closing the gap to 46-40 with 17 seconds left in the third quarter. Illinois replied, extending its lead to 48-40 as the fourth quarter commenced. Minnesota displayed strong play near the hoop, scoring eight of its 13 points in the paint.

The Gophers narrowed the gap to 59-55 before initiating an 8-0 run, seizing a 63-59 advantage with 52 seconds left in the game. They continued to increase the lead and smoothly cruised to a 68-61 victory. The Gophers received significant support from their bench in the final period, with non-starters contributing seven of their 28 total points.

Game Highlights

» The triumph also marked head coach Dawn Plitzuweit‘s 400th career victory. Plitzuweit’s career record stands at 400-158, and she is 35-17 in her second season at the helm of the Golden Gophers.

» Mallory Heyer notched a double-double for the Golden Gophers, tallying 10 points and 10 rebounds.

» The Gophers overcame an eight-point deficit of 48-40 in the third quarter to secure the win.

» The Maroon & Gold restricted the Fighting Illini to just 35 percent shooting from the field.

» Five players from Minnesota scored 10 or more points.

» Minnesota out-rebounded Illinois 40-39 in the matchup.

» The Minnesota defense induced 15 turnovers.

» Grace Grocholski led the Gophers with 19 points.

» Minnesota received a team-high 10 rebounds from Mallory Heyer.