University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
20-16,5-13Big Ten
Saint Louis
22-18,8-9Atlantic 10
Gophers Fall in WNIT Championship to Close Out Season
4/6/2024 4:07:00 PM | Women's Basketball
ST. LOUIS, MO -- Mallory Heyer collected a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds, but the University of Minnesota women's basketball team fell to the Saint Louis Billikens 69-50 on the road Saturday in the WNIT Championship. The game was played at SIU Edwardsville in Edwardsville, Ill.
In addition to Heyer's double-double, the Gophers (20-16) were led by Grace Grocholski, who had eight points, nine rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Sophie Hart added 13 points and seven rebounds.
Led by Heyer's five offensive rebounds, Minnesota did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 13 boards that resulted in 10 second-chance points.
On defense, Minnesota forced 16 turnovers and turned those into 14 points. Amaya Battle led Minnesota with five steals.
How it Happened
After falling behind 2-0, Minnesota went on a 5-0 run with 7:43 left in the first quarter to take a 5-2 lead. The Gophers then surrendered that lead and entered the second quarter down 16-9.
The Gophers faced a 33-21 halftime deficit and Saint Louis increased its advantage to 37-21 before Minnesota went on a 6-0 run, punctuated by a basket from Heyer, to trim its deficit to 37-27 with 7:42 to go in the third.
Saint Louis led 69-43 before Minnesota went on a 7-0 run, finished off by Janay Sanders' layup.
Game Notes
» Mallory Heyer notched a double-double for the Gophers with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
» Minnesota had a 41-38 rebounding advantage.
» The Minnesota defense forced 16 turnovers.
» Minnesota cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 13 offensive boards in the game.
» Sophie Hart led the Golden Gophers with 13 points.
