University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
Iowa State
Golden Gopher Defeat Iowa State, 69-61
12/22/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
In a game that featured four ties and five lead changes in the first half, Minnesota never trailed in the second half answered big Iowa State (8-2) surges time and time again. The Cyclones closed to within one or two points of the Gophers on five occasions followed by a successful Gopher possession to extend the lead.
After Iowa State’s Amanda Nisleit hit a jumper to bring the Cyclones to within a point at 53-52 at the 8:15 mark, the Gophers were able to provide the knock-out punch with an 8-0 run over the next three minutes. Fox ignited the run with a pair of free throws, then added a transition lay-up. A basket by Ashley Ellis-Milan and two free throws from Knight gave the Gophers’ a 61-52 lead.
Cyclone guard Heather Ezell buried a three-point to end the Gopher run but Iowa State would get no closer than four points the rest of the way.
While Minnesota focused on playing a tough inside game, providing 32 points in the paint, ISU stuck to a perimeter attack. Despite a tough pressure defense forcing Iowa State to play along the edge, the Cyclones capitalized on the opportunity by putting up 11-23 shooting performance from behind the arc. Even with the 21 points from ISU's Alison Lacey, who shot 5-8 three-point field goals, Minnesota's tough defensive attack was relentless and continued to throw the Cyclones out of their rhythm on offense throughout the night.
Minnesota turned 12 Iowa State turnovers into 11 points to take a 34-29 advantage at the half. Seven of the eight Gophers who played scored. Fox led the way with nine points and four assists.
On top of the 20 points, Fox contributed three rebounds, six assists, and three steals while playing in all 40 minutes. Despite getting into early foul trouble, Korinne Campbell led Minnesota in rebounds with seven, adding six points as well. Ellis-Milan had a solid performance with nine points and six rebounds, including a pair of key rebounds to help Minnesota pull away late in the second half. Britney McCoy also contributed seven points and seven assists before fouling out in the closing minute of the game.
Minnesota finishes their non-conference season with a record of 9-3, bringing their overall non-conference record to 33-4 at Williams Arena under head coach Pam Borton.
Minnesota returns after the Christmas break to open Big Ten Conference action at Michigan State on Friday, Dec. 28 at 2 p.m. in East Lansing, Mich.
Minnesota Coach Pam Borton
“This was a great win. I’m very proud of our team and the work we put in the last ten days. We played with passion and heart. This was a great way to end our non conference season. Leslie Knight played like a senior. She made big plays when we needed big plays. Emmy (Fox) played like Emmy tonight. She stepped up when we needed her.”
On Leslie Knight’s performance
“It’s important to have post players who can sink a mid range jumper. Leslie really stepped up tonight. This is the last time she’ll play Iowa State in her career. This is a game she’ll remember for the rest of her life.”
Minnesota’s Emily Fox
“People really stepped up tonight and hit big shots. We played with confidence and poise and we stayed with it. We played defense on defense in practice all week and that really showed tonight.”
Minnesota’s Leslie Knight
“We really emphasized physical play. We use it to our advantage that we play in the Big Ten, which is a really physical conference. Iowa State’s players are more tall and lanky and we tried to expose that weakness in them. We were aggressive and physical and that played to our advantage.”
ISU Coach Bill Fennelly
“Minnesota played great. Defensively they were great tonight. They were well prepared, and played with tremendous energy. It was by far the most physical team we’ve played all year. Give Minnesota all the credit, they played well and this is a great environment to play in.”
“Minnesota’s ball pressure was very good tonight. When we did get it inside, we didn’t get much done. Their ball pressure hindered a lot of what we were trying to do.”
ISU Heather Ezell
“Defensively they played tough. It was even more than what we expected. It is a different environment playing here. They played very physical and very tough.”
ISU Alison Lacey
“Minnesota played good defense. They took us out of our offense early. It was all their defense tonight.”
On injury to Toccara Ross
“It’s something we need to take. We can’t step back. We need to use it as motivation and keep moving forward. It will allow some of the other players to step up the rest of the season.”
