University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
3-1,0-0Big Ten
Connecticut
3-1,0-0Big East
Gophers Fall Short Against No. 8/8 UConn, 62-44
11/19/2023 6:28:00 PM | Women's Basketball
The Gophers trailed just 26-23 at halftime.
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- Mara Braun, Grace Grocholski and Mallory Heyer combined to score 33 of Minnesota's 44 total points, but the Golden Gophers fell to the UConn Huskies 62-44 at home Sunday.
The Golden Gophers (3-1) had three players score in double figures, led by Braun, who had 12 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two steals. Grocholski added 11 points and six rebounds and Heyer chipped in as well with 10 points and six rebounds.
Sophie Hart pulled down two offensive rebounds to pace an offense that racked up second chance opportunities for Minnesota, grabbing 14 boards and turning them into eight second chance points.
The Minnesota defense caused its share of mistakes in Sunday's game, forcing 13 UConn turnovers while committing 12. Those takeaways turned into five points on the offensive end of the floor. Braun's two steals led the way individually for the Golden Gophers.
How It Happened
Minnesota kept it close in the first quarter, but entered the second frame down 11-9.
UConn kept adding to that lead, building a 13-9 advantage before Minnesota went on a 6-0 run, highlighted by a three from Grocholski, to take a 15-13 lead. The Huskies then came roaring back to take a 26-23 lead heading into halftime.
Minnesota's deficit continued to grow after halftime, and the Golden Gophers faced a 47-29 disadvantage heading to the fourth quarter.
Minnesota could not pull any closer in the fourth, losing by a final of 62-44. Minnesota fired away from deep in the quarter, knocking down two shots to account for six of its 15 points.
Game Notes
» Mara Braun, Grace Grocholski, and Mallory Heyer combined to account for 75 percent of the Golden Gophers points.
» Minnesota held UConn to 44.1 percent from the floor, their worst shooting performance in nine games (vs. Georgetown, 3/4/23).
» The Minnesota defense forced 13 turnovers and only committed 12.Â
» UConn's 62 points were the fewest the Huskies had scored so far this season (four games).
» Minnesota got a team-high eight rebounds from Mara Braun.
