University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
Northwestern
GOPHERS DEFEAT NORTHWESTERN, 70-68, IN WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
1/15/1999 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
"This is a huge confidence builder for us," said Minnesota head coach Cheryl Littlejohn. "We executed well down the stretch and played great defense. I give the team credit for not giving up."
Sonja Robinson scored six of Minnesota's final 10 points, and led Minnesota with 15 points and nine rebounds. "Sonja has done it all year for us," said Littlejohn. "She made critical shots for us down the stretch." Moneeke Bowden added 13 points, her first double-figure scoring effort in 12 games. Brandi Harris and Cassie VanderHeyden each added 11 points. Dana Leonard and Tami Sears each scored 21 points to lead Northwestern.
The game was very competitive in the first half, featuring nine lead changes and six ties. Minnesota used a 10-1 run, featuring seven points from Harris, to take its biggest lead of the half at 28-24 with 4:17 remaining in the period. The Wildcats scored 14 of the half's final 18 points to take a 38-32 lead at halftime. Leonard and Sears scored 33 of Northwestern's 38 points in the half. Leonard was 4-of-7 from three- point range in the period and the Wildcats outscored the Gophers 18-3 at the foul line.
Northwestern increased its lead to 10 points in the second half, and led 51-42 with 12:58 to play. Minnesota went on a 16-1 run over the next five minutes to take a 58-52 lead with 7:55 to play. Northwestern scored 12 of the next 14 points to take a 64-60 lead with 3:56 remaining to set up Minnesota's final run.
The Gophers return to host Indiana at the Sports Pavilion on Sunday at 2 p.m. Minnesota will play six of its final 10 regular season games at home.
