University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
Loyola Chicago
Gophers Cruise Past Loyola, 80-36
11/26/2013 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
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Nov. 26, 2013
Box Score | Quotes | Photo Gallery 
The University of Minnesota (5-1) women's basketball team received significant contributions from each of its nine eligible players as it cruised to a 80-36 victory over visiting Loyola (2-4) Tuesday night at Williams Arena.
Each of the Gophers scored at least two points in the win, which included a team-best 17 points and a season-high six assists from junior Rachel Banham. Kayla Hirt caught fire late in the second half to match her career-high with 14 points, while she added six rebounds and two assists.
Freshman Stabresa McDaniel tallied a career-high 14 points and sophomore Shayne Mullaney chipped in 10 points, while Amanda Zahui B. was once again Minnesota's leader on the glass with 10 rebounds. The redshirt freshman center has pulled down double-digit rebounds in three-straight contests and in four of her five games played on the year.
Sari Noga had a solid all-around game for the Maroon and Gold, as she had nine points, five rebounds and five assists.
The Gophers finished the contest with a .559 field goal percentage and held the Ramblers to a .271 mark. Minnesota also held a significant rebounding advantage over Loyola, 48-26.
Mullaney hit a three-pointer to open the game and the Gophers never looked back, going on to lead the Ramblers by as many as 24 points in the half. Minnesota connected on six of its 12 three-point attempts in the first 20 minutes of play, which included three from Banham, two from Noga and one from Mullaney.
Minnesota held Loyola to just 18 points and a .267 field goal percentage in the first half, while notching a .485 shooting percentage and outrebounding the Ramblers, 27-14.
Minnesota led by as many as 47 points in the second half, which was its biggest advantage in a contest this season.
Next, the Gophers travel to Honolulu, Hawaii, for the Waikiki Beach Marriott Rainbow Wahine Showdown. They will face Chattanooga (Nov. 29 at 6:30 p.m. CT), Colorado State (Nov. 30 at 4:00 p.m. CT) and Hawaii (Dec. 1 at 9:00 p.m.) in a round robin format. The Chattanooga and Hawaii games can be heard on radio on 1500 ESPN, while the Colorado State game will be Jazz on 88.5 FM.
