University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
14-6,4-5Big Ten
Illinois
9-10,3-6Big Ten
Minnesota Falls to Illinois on the Road, 73-68
1/28/2024 4:10:00 PM | Women's Basketball
MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minnesota women's basketball team took a 54-50 lead into the fourth quarter, but could not hang on and fell 73-68 to the Illinois Fighting Illini on the road Sunday.
The Golden Gophers (14-6, 4-5) had four players score in double figures, led by Mara Braun, who had 18 points and four assists. Amaya Battle also had 18 points to go with her eight rebounds, seven assists and three steals while Mallory Heyer chipped in as well with 11 points and six rebounds.
The Minnesota offense was impressive from three-point land, making eight threes on 24 attempts. Braun hit four treys for the Golden Gophers in the contest.
How It Happened
After falling behind 15-9, Minnesota went on a 5-0 run with 1:38 left in the first quarter, culminating in a three from Heyer, to narrow its deficit to 15-14, a score that would hold for the rest of the period.
Illinois kept adding to that lead, building a 28-25 advantage before Minnesota went on a 14-0 run, highlighted by a three from Braun, to take a 39-28 lead, a score that would hold until halftime. Minnesota scored six of its 25 total points in the period on second chance opportunities created by pulling down four offensive rebounds.
After intermission, Minnesota held on to its advantage and owned a 54-50 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Illinois proceeded to take a 69-62 lead before Minnesota went on a 6-0 run to shrink the deficit to 69-68 with 35 seconds to go in the contest. Illinois responded and outscored the Golden Gophers the rest of the way, ending the game with a final score of 73-68. Minnesota fired away from deep in the quarter, knocking down three shots to account for nine of its 14 points.
Game Notes
» Minnesota hit eight threes for the 10th time this season.
» Amaya Battle's 18 points against Illinois are her second most against a Big Ten opponent in her career.
» Minnesota is now 12-1 when leading at halftime this season.
