University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
24-9,13-5Big Ten
UCLA
34-1,18-0Big Ten
No. 4 Minnesota Falls to No. 1 UCLA 80-56 in Sweet 16
3/27/2026 10:23:00 PM | Women's Basketball
The University of Minnesota's season came to an end in the Sweet 16
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The No. 4 seeded University of Minnesota Women's basketball team (24-9, 13-5 Big Tenn) fell to the No. 1 seeded UCLA Bruins (34-1, 18-0 Big Ten) at the Golden 1 Center on Friday.
The Golden Gophers had two players score in double figures, led by Grace Grocholski, who had 12 points and six rebounds. Sophie Hart added 11 points and Amaya Battle added six points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals.
How It Happened
Minnesota struggled out of the gate, falling behind 18-10 at the end of the first quarter.
The Gophers fought back in the second period, narrowing the deficit to 34-29 by the time halftime rolled around.
UCLA continued to increase its lead after halftime, building a 51-34 advantage before Minnesota went on a 7-0 run, punctuated by a three from Brylee Glenn, to trim its deficit to 51-41 with 58 seconds to go in the third. UCLA countered and stretched its lead to 53-41 heading into the fourth. Minnesota knocked down two three-pointers in the quarter to score six of its 12 total points.
Minnesota could not pull any closer in the fourth, losing by a final of 80-56. Minnesota took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring eight of its 15 points in the paint.
Game Notes
» The Gophers made half of their attempts from three point range, knocking down six of 12 shots.
» Minnesota cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 11 offensive boards in the game.
» Grace Grocholski led the Gophers with 12 points.
» Minnesota got a team-high eight rebounds from Amaya Battle.
