University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
18-15,5-13Big Ten
North Dakota State
22-12,13-3Summit League
Heyer Records Double-Double in 69-65 WNIT Win over NDSU
3/29/2024 9:47:00 PM | Women's Basketball
MINNEAPOLIS -- Sophomore Mallory Heyer collected her sixth double-double of the season with 13 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Minnesota women's basketball team over North Dakota State 69-65 at home Friday to advance to the 'Great 8' of the WNIT.
The Golden Gophers (18-15) had four players score in double figures, led by Grace Grocholski, who had 16 points and six rebounds. Heyer added a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds and Amaya Battle chipped in as well with 11 points, five assists and two blocks.
Minnesota shared the ball well in Friday's game, racking up 16 assists on 26 made field goals. Battle's five assists paced the Golden Gophers and Janay Sanders also helped out with three assists of her own.
Minnesota forced 13 North Dakota State turnovers while committing 11 themselves in Friday's game. The Golden Gophers turned those takeaways into 20 points on the other end of the floor.
How It Happened
After falling behind 8-7, Minnesota went on a 5-0 run with 3:11 left in the first quarter, culminating in a three from Heyer, to take a 12-8 lead. The Golden Gophers then added two points to that lead by the end of the period and entered the quarter break with an 18-12 advantage. Minnesota did most of its first quarter damage in the paint, scoring 10 of its 18 points close to the basket.
The Golden Gophers maintained their lead in the game's second frame and entered halftime with a 34-30 edge. Minnesota dominated in the paint, scoring 12 of its 16 points close to the basket.
Following intermission, Minnesota continued to expand its advantage, pushing it to 47-38 before going on a 6-0 run, punctuated by a basket from Grocholski, to expand its lead further to 53-38 with 2:25 to go in the third. Before the conclusion of the third period, the Bison had cut into that lead somewhat, but the Golden Gophers still entered the fourth quarter with a 58-44 edge.
North Dakota State proceeded to take a 65-62 lead before Minnesota went on a 7-0 run to seize a 69-65 lead with two seconds to go in the contest, a score which would hold for the rest of the game. Minnesota took advantage of four North Dakota State turnovers in the quarter, scoring four points off of those takeaways.
Game Notes
» Mallory Heyer's double double is the 11th of her career.
» Amaya Battle moved into ninth all-time in Minnesota history for career assists with five tonight. She is now tied with Holly Thompson and Debbie Hilmerson.
» Minnesota brought down 21 offensive rebounds in the win, the second most this season (22 vs. Grambling).
» Grace Grocholski scored 16 points in the win, the most since she scored 27 against Northwestern (2/17/24).
» Minnesota got a game-high 12 rebounds from Mallory Heyer, the 11th time this season she's brought down 10 or more.
