The Minnesota women’s basketball defeated SMU, 65-56, at Desert Financial Arena on Sunday afternoon. The Golden Gophers improve to 5-0 (0-0 Big Ten) while the Mustangs drop to 2-3 (0-0 ACC).
The Gophers had three players score in double figures, led by Annika Stewart, who had 18 points and three steals. Taylor Woodson added 18 points and seven rebounds off the bench and Mara Braun helped out with 13 points and five assists.
Led by Grace Grocholski’s seven offensive rebounds, Minnesota did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 21 boards that resulted in 22 second chance points.
The Minnesota defense was effective at taking away the basketball in Sunday’s game, forcing 18 SMU turnovers while committing seven. Those takeaways turned into 17 points on the offensive end of the floor. Stewart’s three steals led the way individually for the Maroon & Gold.
How It Happened
Minnesota entered the second quarter tied at 11-11 after a tightly contested first period. Minnesota got a great contribution from its bench in the period, as non-starters accounted for six of its 11 total points.
SMU then took a 22-19 lead before Minnesota responding by going on a 6-0 run, highlighted by a bucket from Braun, to take a 25-22 lead, a score that would hold until halftime. Minnesota dominated in the paint, scoring eight of its 14 points close to the basket.
SMU then took a 38-35 lead following intermission before Minnesota went on a 6-0 run, punctuated by a three from Stewart, to grab a 41-38 lead with 2:45 to go in the third. SMU responded to seize a 44-42 lead entering the fourth quarter. Minnesota knocked down three three-pointers in the quarter to score nine of its 17 total points.
Minnesota came out of the third quarter break clicking on all cylinders, going on a 6-0 run, finished off by Woodson’s layup, to seize a 48-44 lead with 9:14 to go in the contest. The Golden Gophers kept expanding the margin and coasted the rest of the way for the 65-56 win. Minnesota took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring 14 of its 23 points in the paint.
Game Notes
» The Gophers rallied from a two-point 44-42 third quarter deficit to pick up the win.
» Annika Stewart, Taylor Woodson, and Mara Braun combined to account for 75 percent of the Gophers points.
» The Minnesota bench made an impact by scoring 38 points to its scoring output.
» Annika Stewart and Taylor Woodson came off the bench to score 18 points apiece.
» The Gophers forced 18 SMU turnovers while committing only seven on the other end.
» Minnesota had a 46-42 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Minnesota defense forced 18 turnovers.
» Minnesota cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 21 offensive boards in the game.
» Annika Stewart and Taylor Woodson led the Gophers with 18 points apiece.
» Grace Grocholski nabbed a game-high 13 rebounds to lead Minnesota and Mallory Heyer added 10.
(info and photo courtesy of Gopher Sports)
