Gophers in Action: The Dynamic World of University of Minnesota Athletics

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The Minnesota women’s basketball squad (16-1, 4-1 B1G) limited Rutgers (8-8, 0-5 B1G) to a mere 12.5 percent shooting from beyond the arc, achieving a 2-for-16 performance as they secured a 76-50 victory over the Scarlet Knights at home on Wednesday night at Williams Arena.

The Golden Gophers showcased four athletes scoring in double digits, spearheaded by Amaya Battle, who tallied 21 points, six rebounds, five assists, and two steals. McKenna Johnson contributed 15 points off the bench, while Sophie Hart added her second career double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.

Minnesota capitalized on remarkable ball movement during Wednesday’s matchup, accumulating 21 assists on 30 successful field goals. Grace Grocholski’s eight assists topped the distribution list for the Gophers.

Minnesota induced 13 turnovers from Rutgers while committing 11 of their own during Wednesday’s contest. The Maroon & Gold transformed those turnovers into 20 points offensively. Grocholski’s three steals stood out for Minnesota.

How It Unfolded

After starting off trailing 2-0, Minnesota launched an 8-0 run with 8:53 remaining in the first quarter, capped off by a basket from Johnson, to establish an 8-2 lead. By the end of the period, the Gophers extended their advantage to 10 points, entering the quarter break with a 19-11 lead. Much of Minnesota’s scoring in the initial quarter came in the paint, with 10 of their 19 points scored close to the basket.

The Gophers enlarged that first quarter lead to 26-17 before embarking on an 8-0 run beginning at the 5:20 mark in the second period, highlighted by a three-pointer from Johnson, stretching the lead to 34-17. They added an extra point to their lead and enjoyed a 41-23 cushion heading into halftime. Minnesota was effective from beyond the arc during this period, hitting three three-pointers accounting for nine of their 22 points.

Following the halftime break, Minnesota maintained their edge, holding a 55-37 lead as they entered the final quarter. The Gophers capitalized on four turnovers by Rutgers in this quarter, scoring five points off those takeaways.

Minnesota began adding points in the fourth almost instantly, executing a 6-0 run to extend their lead to 61-37 with 7:27 left in the game. They continued to widen the gap, ultimately coasting to a 76-50 victory. The Gophers capitalized on three turnovers from Rutgers during this quarter, scoring seven points off those mistakes.

Game Highlights

» Sophie Hart recorded her second career double-double for the Gophers with 14 points and 11 rebounds.

» The Maroon & Gold held the Scarlet Knights to just 31.7 percent shooting from the field.

» The ‘U’ never trailed after taking a 19-11 lead in the first quarter.

» The Gophers showcased an impressive passing game, recording an assist on 70 percent of their successful baskets.

» Minnesota showcased strong defense, restricting Rutgers to 12 percent from three-point range on 16 attempts.

» The Gophers had a 51-33 advantage in rebounding during the win.

» The Minnesota defense forced 13 turnovers.

» Minnesota excelled on the offensive boards, gathering 18 offensive rebounds in the game.

» Amaya Battle led the Gophers, scoring 21 points.

» Minnesota secured a team-high 11 rebounds from Sophie Hart.