MINNEAPOLIS – The University of Minnesota women’s basketball team continued their winning streak, defeating Marquette 90-47 in front of nearly 3,000 fans at Williams Arena. With this win, the Gophers improved to 3-0 this season.
Four players scored in double digits, with Grace Grocholski leading the way with 19 points and eight rebounds. Tori McKinney added 16 points, while Sophie Hart contributed 14 points and two steals. The team’s ball movement was impressive, racking up 24 assists and only committing eight turnovers.
Mara Braun and Amaya Battle each had seven assists, helping the Gophers execute their game plan effectively. Battle is now just two assists shy of reaching 500 for her career. On defense, Minnesota forced Marquette into 19 turnovers, translating them into 18 points.
Game Breakdown
The Gophers started strong with an 11-0 run, led by McKinney’s three-pointer. They ended the first quarter ahead 22-12, with most points earned close to the basket. This early dominance set the tone for the game.
In the second quarter, Minnesota widened their lead to 35-24. They went on a late 7-0 run, with Hart scoring to push the advantage to 45-26 by halftime. The bench also made its presence felt, adding crucial points to the tally.
After halftime, the Gophers didn’t let up. They executed a 10-0 run in the third quarter, capped by a three from Grocholski. By the end of the quarter, Minnesota had built a solid lead at 65-37. Their performance in the paint was key, as they scored 14 of their 20 points inside.
The final quarter saw Minnesota extend their lead even further, reaching 83-42. With some deep three-pointers, they efficiently closed out the game for a decisive 90-47 victory.
Game Insights
- Minnesota shot 40.7% from three-point range (11 of 27).
- They held Marquette to just 32.7% shooting.
- The Gophers dominated the boards, out-rebounding Marquette 47-28, with 16 offensive rebounds.
- Grocholski’s scoring stood out, and Battle’s 11 rebounds led the team.
This game highlights Minnesota’s strong start this season. As they continue to play like this, their chances for success look promising. In a recent survey, 72% of fans expressed excitement about the team’s potential for a strong season, making the upcoming games even more anticipated.
