University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
11-1,1-0Big Ten
Lindenwood
2-8,0-0OVC
Czinano Records Double Double in Gophers 100-45 Win over Lindenwood
12/21/2023 5:16:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Czinano recorded 12 points and 10 rebounds off the bench.
MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minnesota women's basketball team got a 43-point performance from the bench on the way to a 100-45 victory against the Lindenwood (MO) Lions at Williams Arena on Thursday.
The Golden Gophers (11-1, 1-0 B1G) had four players score in double figures, led by sophomore Mara Braun, who recorded her fifth-straight 20-point game with 21 on 9-of-17 shooting. Maggie Czinano tacked on a double-double from the bench with 12 points and 10 rebounds, freshman Grace Grocholski chipped in as well with 11 points while Sophie Hart added 10.
Minnesota did a stellar job taking care of the basketball, dishing out 23 assists while turning the ball over just seven times. Sophomore Amaya Battle's eight assists paced the Golden Gophers with Janay Sanders chipping in a season high five assists of her own.
Minnesota's defense held Lindenwood (MO) to only 27.4 percent shooting from the field, the second time this season the Maroon and Gold have held their opponent to under 30 percent shooting. The 'U' hustled their way to 52 rebounds in the win, tying their season high, and held Lindenwood to just 33 total rebounds and just nine on the offensive glass.
How It Happened
After jumping out to an 8-2 advantage, Minnesota went on a 9-0 run with 7:10 left in the first quarter, culminating in a three from Mallory Heyer, to increase its lead to 17-2. The Golden Gophers then added four points to that lead by the end of the period and entered the quarter break with a 29-10 advantage. Minnesota relied on its three-point shooting in the period, knocking down four shots to account for 12 of its 29 points.
Minnesota built that first quarter lead to 39-12 before going on a 12-0 run starting at the 5:43 mark in the second period, highlighted by a three from Czinano, to increase its lead to 51-12. The Golden Gophers proceeded to tack on one point to that lead and enjoyed a 55-15 advantage heading into halftime. Minnesota was strong from deep in the period, knocking down four three-point shots to account for 12 of its 26 points.
Following intermission, Minnesota continued to expand its advantage, pushing it to 64-23 before going on a 12-0 run, punctuated by a three from Niamya Holloway, to expand its lead further to 76-23 with 3:17 to go in the third. The Golden Gophers held onto that lead for the rest of the frame and entered the fourth quarter with a 81-28 edge. Minnesota's bench made the most of its minutes in the period, as non-starters totaled 10 of the team's 26 third-quarter points.
Minnesota kept its lead intact before going on a 6-0 run, finished off by Ajok Madol's jumper, to grow the lead to 89-31 with 7:50 to go in the contest. The Lions narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Golden Gophers still cruised the rest of the way for the 100-45 win. Minnesota took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring 14 of its 19 points in the paint.
Game Notes
» Maggie Czinano's double double (12 points, 10 rebounds) is the first of her career.
» Minnesota's 12 made threes are the second most the team has made in a single game this season.
» The Golden Gophers have won three games by more than 53 points this season.
» The 'U' has posted three of its top five largest margins of victory this season with the 55-point win over Lindenwood being the fourth-largest in program history.
» Minnesota has recorded 47 assists in the last two games, 23 coming against Lindenwood.
» Minnesota's bench tied its season high with 43 points.
» Mara Braun is the first Gopher since 2018-19 (Destiny Pitts) to post five consecutive 20-point, or more, performances.
» Dawn Plitzuweit is now 44-8 (84.6 percent) in the month of December since 2016.
» Minnesota turned the ball over a season-low seven times and forced 16 of their own.
» Minnesota's 22 points off turnovers against Lindenwood marks the sixth time this season the team has had 22 or more points off turnovers.
