University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
Drake
WBB: Golden Gophers Defeat Drake, 74-57
12/23/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
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The No. 13/12 Golden Gophers defeated Drake, 74-57, in Minnesota's final tune-up before starting Big Ten Conference play next week. Janel McCarville scored 21 points to lead four Gophers in double figures as Minnesota improved to 9-2 on the season.
"We played well enough to win tonight," said Golden Gopher head coach Pam Borton. "We started the game strong, had that lapse at the end of the first half, but played a solid second half. Kelly Roysland provided a huge spark for us off the bench.
"We are excited to go home and spend time with our families," added Borton, "then come back next week ready to start our quest of winning a Big Ten title."
The Gophers started the game on a tear, making their first eight shots to build a 19-9 lead in the opening six minutes. Shannon Schonrock and McCarville both hit three-pointers to contribute to the spurt.
Drake (5-4) found themselves down by 21 points with 5:14 left before hitting three straight triples to ignite a 13-0 run to end the half. As the half ended, McCarville was whistled for a technical foul giving the Bulldogs two free throws to start the second half.
Erin Dohrmann hit both technical free throws, then Linda Sayavongchanh drained a three-pointer to bring the Bulldogs to within three points at 38-35.
McCarville grabbed an offensive rebound and scored an easy basket to begin Minnesota's assault on the Drake interior defense. The Gophers' effort resulted in a 22-2 scoring advantage in the paint in the second half. McCarville tallied 16 of her 21 points in the second half.
When McCarville wasn't dominating the interior, Kelly Roysland was first firing three pointers, then slashing to the basket for layups to contribute 10 straight points to a Gopher rally. Roysland's scoring outburst gave the Gophers a double-digit lead they would not relinquish.
Guarding against a Drake rally like the first half, the Minnesota defense was hustling to loose balls and forcing tough shots. The Bulldogs did not hit a field goal in the last 9:11 of the game.
McCarville added 11 rebounds for her second double-double in as many games and the 37th of her Gopher career. She also added three assists and three blocks. Roysland finished with 15 points.
Jamie Broback tallied her second career double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Schonrock chipped in 11 points. April Calhoun led the Gophers in assists with a season-high six.
Minnesota hosts Northwestern on Thursday, Dec. 30, to open the Big Ten season. Tip-off is
