University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
San Diego State
Minnesota Rallies, But Falls to San Diego State
11/27/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Minnesota rallied from an 11-point second half deficit to close within two points in the final minutes, but lost by that margin, 61-59, versus San Diego State in the opening round of the Nugget Classic in Reno, Nev.
The Gophers (3-3) trailed by as many as 14 points in the opening half, with SDSU holding a 39-25 lead with 3:43 left. But Minnesota held the Aztecs scoreless from that point on to close the half on a 9-0 run and pull within 39-34 at the break.
Kiara Buford opened the run with a pair of free throws and then hit a three-pointer to make it 39-30. The Gophers then closed the half with baskets by Katie Loberg and Micaëlla Riché, the latter of those as the horn sounded, to help the Gophers get within five points, 39-34.
San Diego State made 17-of-28 (.607) field goals before the break to build their lead, with Paris Johnson scoring 15 points to lead the way. Johnson finished with game-highs of 27 points and 11 rebounds for the Aztecs.
In the second half, the Golden Gophers cut it to three points, 39-36, on a jumper by Buford. But San Diego State (1-3) went on a 14-6 run over the next 7:16 to hold an 11-point advantage with 12:00 remaining. Minnesota still trailed by ten points, 57-47, with 8:39 left before chipping away at the lead to pull within two points, 59-57, with 2:03 left.
Buford and Cotton each scored four points during that stretch, but the Aztecs were able to fend off the Gophers' rally and hold on for the victory. Buford led Minnesota with 19 points, while Cotton came off the bench to finish with 12 points. Jackie Voigt had six points and five boards, but was hampered by foul trouble in the game.
Minnesota will now play North Carolina State in Saturday's third-place game at 7:00 p.m. (CST). The Wolfpack dropped a 74-70 decision versus host Nevada in Friday's first game.
