Grace Grocholski totaled 21 points, but the Minnesota women’s basketball team (20-11, 8-10 B1G) fell to the Washington Huskies (19-12, 9-9 B1G) 79-65 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday.
Grocholski added seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals to her 21 point game to lead the Golden Gophers. Tori McKinney helped out with 10 points and six rebounds and Mallory Heyer chipped in with 11 points.
Grocholski pulled down two offensive rebounds to lead an offense that racked up second chance opportunities for Minnesota, grabbing 10 boards and turning them into 15 second chance points.
The Minnesota defense caused its share of mistakes in Wednesday’s game, forcing 13 Washington turnovers while committing eight. Those takeaways turned into 21 points on the offensive end of the floor. Grocholski’s three steals led the way individually for the Maroon & Gold.
How It Happened
Minnesota kept it close in the first quarter, but entered the second frame down 16-12.
Washington kept adding to that lead, building a 25-18 advantage before Minnesota went on a 7-0 run, highlighted by a three from Grocholski, to tie the game at 25. Washington then took control, putting the Gophers at a 32-30 disadvantage heading into halftime.
Washington continued to increase its lead after halftime, building a 54-41 advantage before Minnesota went on a 7-0 run, punctuated by a basket from Grocholski, to trim its deficit to 54-48 with 10 seconds to go in the third, a score which remained until the end of the third quarter. Minnesota played well near the basket, scoring 10 of its 18 points in the paint.
Minnesota could not pull any closer in the fourth, losing by a final of 79-65. Minnesota took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring 12 of its 17 points in the paint.
Game Notes
» The Minnesota defense forced 13 turnovers.
» Minnesota cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 10 offensive boards in the game.
» Grace Grocholski led the Gophers with 21 points.
» Minnesota got a team-high seven rebounds from Grace Grocholski.
(info and photo courtesy of Gopher Sports)
