University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
8-0,0-0Big Ten
Houston
2-5,0-0Big 12
Minnesota Grabs 61-44 Win Over Houston
11/29/2024 3:24:00 PM | Women's Basketball
The Golden Gophers stay undefeated at 8-0
NEW ORLEANS, La. -The University of Minnesota women's basketball team took down the Houston Cougars 61-44 on Friday afternoon at the Big Easy Classic. The Golden Gophers improve to 8-0 on the season while Houston drops to 2-5.
The Maroon and Gold had four players score in double figures, led by Grace Grocholski, who had 18 points and three steals. Sophie Hart added 10 points and Taylor Woodson chipped in as well with 10 points and six rebounds from the bench.
Minnesota collected 45 rebounds in Friday's game compared to Houston's 36, led by 11 boards from Mallory Heyer. The Gophers also put in work on the offensive glass, turning 12 rebounds into 14 second chance points.
Minnesota forced 14 Houston turnovers. Minnesota turned those takeaways into 16 points on the other end of the floor. Grocholski's three steals led the way for Minnesota.
How It Happened
Minnesota never lost the lead, quickly grabbing a 13-4 lead. After a 6-0 run. Minnesota went on a 6-0 run with 5:21 left in the first quarter, culminating in a three from Grocholski. The Gophers then expanded the gap and grabbed a 16-13 lead heading into quarter number two. Minnesota relied on its three-point shooting in the period, knocking down four shots to account for 12 of its 16 points.
Minnesota went on a 10-0 run starting at the 9:12 mark in the second period, highlighted by a three from Grocholski, to take a 21-18 lead. The Gophers proceeded to tack on 10 points to that lead and enjoyed a 32-19 advantage heading into halftime. Minnesota dominated in the paint, scoring eight of its 16 points close to the basket.
The Gophers kept the things going in the fourth quarter and took control with a 52-29 advantage. Minnesota played well near the basket, scoring 16 of its 20 points in the paint.
The Maroon and Gold then held on for the victory in the fourth quarter. Minnesota took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring six of its nine points in the paint.
Game Notes
» The Gophers held the Cougars to only 25.9 percent shooting from the field.
» The Minnesota bench came alive by scoring 19 points to its scoring output.
» Minnesota had a 45-36 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Minnesota defense forced 14 turnovers.
» Minnesota cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 12 offensive boards in the game.
» Grace Grocholski led the Golden Gophers with a game-high 18 points.
» Minnesota got a team-high 11 rebounds from Mallory Heyer.
