University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
SW Minnesota State
Second Half Surge Leads to Gophers' Exhibition Win
11/4/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
The University of Minnesota women's basketball team opened exhibition play with a decisive 75-48 victory against Southwest Minnesota State on Wednesday night at Williams Arena.
Minnesota led 35-24 at the half, before opening the second half with a 20-5 run to break away from the visiting Mustangs. The Gophers' biggest lead of the game grew to 29 points before they finished with the 27-point win.
Sophomore forward Katie Loberg led the Golden Gophers with game-highs of 17 points to go along with 10 rebounds for a double-double, while junior guard Kiara Buford and freshman guard Sari Noga also reached double-figures with 10 points apiece.
"It was obviously the way we wanted to start out the year," head coach Pam Borton said. "I think our hard work, and the way that our players practiced, really paid off tonight."
For the game, Minnesota shot 46.0 percent, making 29-of-63 field goal attempts. Led by Loberg's 10 rebounds, the Gophers also held a huge 53-22 advantage in rebounding, with six Minnesota players finishing with five or more boards in the win.
"I think one of the things we have been emphasizing is establishing an inside presence," Borton said. "Being able to score points in the paint will make all of our lives easier, and our guards will make shots. They can knock shots down, and I thought Katie (Loberg) did an excellent job. We took 42 shots in the paint, and scoring 52 points in the paint is exactly what our focus has been."
Southwest Minnesota State was paced by 16 points from junior guard Arielle Eldridge. Junior center Abby Kenealy had 12 points and a team-high five rebounds. The Mustangs were limited to just 16-of-52 (.308) field goals, including 5-of-18 (.278) from long-range.
Minnesota plays its final exhibition game on Sunday at 2:00 p.m., when it plays host to UM Crookston. The Golden Eagles are coached by Mike Roysland, father of Gophers assistant coach Kelly Roysland.
For ticket information, call the Golden Gopher Ticket Office at 612.624.8080 or 1.800.U.GOPHER, or visit www.mygophersports.com.
