University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
11-3,1-2Big Ten
Maryland
10-4,2-1Big Ten
Braun Scores 20 in Minnesota's 72-64 Loss to Maryland
1/3/2024 9:51:00 PM | Women's Basketball
MINNEAPOLIS -- Despite 20 points from sophomore Mara Braun, the University of Minnesota women's basketball team (11-3, 1-2 B1G) fell to the visiting Maryland Terrapins (10-4, 2-1 B1G) on Wednesday night at Williams Arena.
The Golden Gophers had three players score in double figures, led by Braun, who had 20 points, six rebounds and two blocks. Sophie Hart added 13 points and nine rebounds and Grace Grocholski chipped in as well with 12 points and three steals.
Led by Hart's five offensive rebounds, Minnesota pulled down 18 boards that resulted in 10 second chance points.
How It Happened
After falling behind 3-2, Minnesota went on a 6-0 run with 8:57 left in the first quarter, culminating in a bucket from Hart, to take an 8-3 lead. Minnesot and Maryland traded buckets the remainder of the quarter, and after 10 minutes had a 21-18 advantage. Minnesota relied on its three-point shooting in the period, knocking down three shots to account for nine of its 21 points.
Maryland rallied to take a 28-23 lead before Minnesota went on a 5-0 run starting at the 6:14 mark in the second period, highlighted by a three from Braun, to tie the game at 28. Maryland then took control, putting the Golden Gophers at a 43-36 disadvantage heading into halftime.
After intermission, Minnesota cut its deficit to 45-40 before going on a quick 5-0 run, punctuated by a three from Mallory Heyer, to tie things up at 45 with 6:54 to go in the third. The Golden Gophers could not advance their rally further as the Terrapins took a 58-50 lead into the fourth quarter. Minnesota knocked down two three-pointers in the quarter to score six of its 14 total points.
Maryland kept widening its lead in the fourth, constructing a 67-55 advantage before Minnesota went on a 6-0 run, finished off by Heyer's layup, to shrink the deficit to 67-61 with 4:05 to go in the contest. Maryland responded and outscored the Golden Gophers the rest of the way, ending the game with a final score of 72-64.
Game Notes
» Mara Braun hit five threes against the Terrapins, marking the second straight season a Gopher has hit five threes (Deja Winters).
» Minnesota won the battle on the glass, out rebounding Maryland 46-30.
» Minnesota's starters scored 60 of the team's 64 points against Maryland.
» Braun scored 20 points for the ninth time this season.
» Minnesota got a game-high 10 rebounds from Mallory Heyer, her fifth game of the season with double digit rebounds.
