University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
Providence
Gopher Women Defeats Providence to Improve to 6-0
12/6/2002 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
The Friars shot 57 percent in the first half to hang with the Gophers. Minnesota, behind 13 first-half points by Lindsay Whalen, held a 33-32 edge at halftime.
The second half was a difference story. Minnesota used an 11-0 spurt midway through the half to take control of the game. Whalen and Corrin Von Wald contributed four points each to the run. Von Wald hit a pair of free throws to give the Gophers their biggest lead of the game at 67-50 with two minutes remaining.
"I was pleased with our defensive effort tonight, especially in the second half," said Minnesota head coach Pam Borton. "Anytime you can hold a team to 55 points and just 23 points in the second half, you have to give credit for this win to our defense. It's been something we have been stressing all year long and that defense stepped it up tonight."
Minnesota shot 49 percent in the game, the first time this season the Gophers shot below 50 percent for a game. The Gopher defense responded, allowing a season-low 55 points as Providence posted a 39 percent field goal percentage. The Friars made just 7-of-25 from the floor in the second half of play.
Whalen finished with 19 points and five assists. Von Wald tallied 16 points, including a perfect 10-for-10 night at the free throw line. Kim Prince added 11 points. Janel McCarville came off the bench to lead the Gophers in rebounding with nine boards.
Michal Epstein topped the Friars with 21 points.
The Golden Gophers play their final of five consecutive road games on Sunday when they travel to Harvard.
