University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
21-7,12-5Big Ten
Michigan State
22-6,11-6Big Ten
Team Stats
Game Leaders
Players Mentioned
No. 23/23 Minnesota Falls to No. 18/16 Michigan State, 75-61
2/22/2026 8:06:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Tori McKinney had a career-high 29 points
MINNEAPOLIS - The No. 23/23 University of Minnesota women's basketball team (21-7, 12-5 Big Ten) fell to the No. 18/16 Michigan State Spartans (22-6, 11-6 Big Ten) 75-61 at Williams Arena Sunday
The Golden Gophers had three players score in double figures, led by Tori McKinney, who had 29 points, four assists and two steals. Battle added 11 points, seven rebounds and two steals and Sophie Hart helped out with 10 points, nine rebounds and two blocks.
Hart pulled down four offensive rebounds to pace an offense that racked up second chance opportunities for Minnesota, grabbing 17 boards and turning them into 13 second chance points.
The Minnesota defense was a problem in Sunday's game, forcing 17 Michigan State turnovers while committing 13. Those takeaways turned into 14 points on the other end of the floor. Grace Grocholski's three steals led the way individually for the Gophers.
How It Happened
After jumping out to an 8-6 advantage, Minnesota went on a 6-0 run with 2:31 left in the first quarter, culminating in a three from McKinney, to increase its lead to 14-6. The Gophers then lost some of that lead, but still entered the quarter break with a 16-10 advantage. Minnesota took advantage of three offensive rebounds to score five second chance points out of 16 total in the period
Minnesota kept its first quarter lead intact before going on an 8-0 run starting at the 9:00 mark in the second period, highlighted by a bucket from McKinney, to increase its lead to 24-14. The Spartans cut into that lead, but the Gophers still enjoyed a 36-34 advantage heading into halftime. Minnesota dominated in the paint, scoring 10 of its 20 points close to the basket.
Minnesota wasted no time building on its lead, going on a 6-0 run, punctuated by a three from McKinney, to expand its lead further to 42-34 with 7:37 to go in the third. Michigan State responded to seize a 58-49 lead entering the fourth quarter.
Michigan State kept widening its lead in the fourth, constructing a 62-49 advantage before Minnesota went on a 7-0 run, finished off by McKinney's jumper, to shrink the deficit to 62-56 with 6:56 to go in the contest. Michigan State responded and outscored the Golden Gophers the rest of the way, ending the game with a final score of 75-61. Minnesota took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring eight of its 12 points in the paint.
Game Notes
» The Gophers shared the ball well, recording an assist on 65 percent of made baskets.
» Tori McKinney, Amaya Battle, and Sophie Hart combined to account for 82 percent of the Gophers' points.
» Minnesota lost despite a 37-36 rebounding advantage.
» The Minnesota defense forced 17 turnovers.
» Minnesota cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 17 offensive boards in the game.
» Tori McKinney led the Gophers with a game-high 29 points.
» Minnesota got a game-high nine rebounds from Sophie Hart.