MINNEAPOLIS – The University of Minnesota women’s basketball team put on quite a show, winning 88-55 against the Purdue Boilermakers. With a strong performance, they shot 50% from three-point range.
Amaya Battle led the Gophers with 17 points, adding nine rebounds and four assists. Sophie Hart followed close behind with 15 points, six rebounds, and three blocks. Tori McKinney also contributed, scoring 14 points and grabbing five assists.
In a tightly contested game, Minnesota edged out Purdue in rebounds, 32 to 31. Their defense was a key highlight, forcing Purdue into 15 turnovers and turning those mistakes into 21 points. Grace Grocholski stood out with three steals.
How the Game Unfolded
Minnesota started strong, jumping out to a 6-0 lead thanks to Mara Braun’s early bucket. By the end of the first quarter, they held a 21-12 advantage, mostly scoring in the paint.
As the second quarter unfolded, Minnesota maintained its lead, stretching it to 43-23 by halftime. They excelled again in the paint, scoring 14 of their 22 points close to the basket.
The Gophers picked up the pace in the third quarter, launching a 14-0 run, which included a basket from Niamya Holloway. They closed the frame with a comfortable 66-32 lead.
In the fourth quarter, Minnesota continued to build its lead, going on a 5-0 run early on. While Purdue tried to narrow the gap, the Gophers controlled the game and secured the win. The bench played a significant role, contributing 13 of the team’s points in the final quarter.
Game Highlights
– Minnesota made six of twelve three-point attempts, showcasing their shooting skill.
– They held Purdue to just 37.3% shooting from the field.
– The Gophers never trailed after the first quarter.
– The team assisted each other well, totaling 20 assists overall.
– The bench’s contribution was impressive, scoring 28 points.
– With a shooting percentage of 60%, Minnesota efficiently reached 88 points.
– Minnesota’s defense also tallied seven blocks in addition to their steals.
This win marks an exciting moment for the Gophers, who are now 16-6 overall and 7-4 in the Big Ten. It’s a solid reminder of their potential as they push through the season. The team’s ability to work together, both offensively and defensively, has put them in a strong position in the league.
For more details on the game statistics and player performances, check out the official Gopher Sports page here.
