University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
Indiana
Zahui, Banham Lift Gophers Over Indiana
2/27/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
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Feb. 27, 2014
MINNEAPOLIS -- A career high 26 points from Amanda Zahui B. and 20 points from standout Rachel Banhamled the University of Minnesota women's basketball team to a 73-62 victory over Big Ten foe Indiana Thursday night at Williams Arena. The Gophers moved to 18-11 overall and 7-8 in Big Ten competition with the win, while the Hoosiers fell to 18-10 overall and 5-10 in the Big Ten.
With 20 points on the evening, Banham finished the game with 1,865 career points to move into fourth all-time on Minnesota's career scoring list. She surpassed Linda Roberts, who scored 1,856 points from 1977-81.
Not only would Zahui B. set a career high with 26 points, she also had a career-high 19 rebounds. It was the center's Big Ten-leading 13 th double-double this season, while it was also her 20th game with 10 or more points and her 19th game with double-figure rebounds. She also led the Gophers with four blocks, bringing her career total to 82.
Minnesota finished the game with a .390 (25-64) field goal percentage, a .428 (3-7) three-point field goal percentage and a .714 (20-28) free throw percentage, while out-rebounding the visitors, 53-47. Indiana notched a .305 (22-72) field goal percentage. Its shot .344 (10-29) from three-point range and ended the game shooting .421 (8-19) from the line.
Kayla Hirtput the Gophers on the board first with two points, before the Gophers and Hoosiers battled throughout a first half that saw six ties and four lead changes. After falling down by four points with just over five minutes to play in the half, the Maroon and Gold closed out the half on a 12-7 run to secure a 30-29 lead going into halftime. Zahui B. went into the locker room with 13 points and six boards, while Banham tallied seven of her 20 points in the opening stanza.
The Gophers fell behind early in second half and eventually trailed the Hoosiers by six points twice in the opening minutes, but senior Sari Noga drained two three-pointers and Stabresa McDanielwould nail a put-back to add two more points in under a minute and complete a 15-6 run.
Thanks to the eight points from Noga and McDaniel, the momentum shifted into the Gophers' favor and continued for the remainder of the game. Banham picked up 13 points in the second half, but would eventually foul out with 44 seconds left in the game. Noga concluded the game with 12 points, as three Gophers finished in double-digits.
Minnesota led by as many as 14 points before closing out the 73-62 victory.
The Gophers will look to keep the momentum going as they host Ohio State in their regular-season finale on Sunday, March 2 at Williams Arena. The game will tip at 1:00 p.m. for Senior Day.
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