Gophers Secure 87-79 Win Over Marquette
The University of Minnesota women’s basketball team moved to 2-0 on the season Saturday, securing an 87-79 victory against Marquette at the Al McGuire Center.
The No. 17/18 Gophers used a balanced offense and out-rebounded opponents to maintain their lead throughout the second half.
Minnesota established control early, opening the game with a 12-0 run that set the tone for the afternoon.
While the Golden Eagles managed to narrow the gap, the Gophers entered the first quarter break with a slim 20-19 lead. Minnesota’s perimeter shooting proved vital during this stretch, as the team knocked down three shots from beyond the arc.
Statistical Edge on the Boards
The game was defined by Minnesota’s dominance in rebounding. The Gophers pulled down 40 total boards compared to Marquette’s 24, a disparity that translated into 21 second-chance points for the visitors. Grace Grocholski led the effort, recording a double-double with 25 points and 11 rebounds, six of which came on the offensive end.
Tayla Thomas also provided a significant presence in the paint, contributing 10 rebounds to the team’s total. This physical play allowed the Gophers to stifle Marquette’s momentum whenever the Golden Eagles attempted to rally.
Minnesota Converted 17 Turnovers into 23 Points
Minnesota’s defense forced 17 turnovers, which the team successfully converted into 23 points. Harmon, who finished the game with 17 points, also spearheaded the defensive effort with four steals. The Gophers maintained a disciplined approach, committing only 11 turnovers of their own throughout the contest.
The scoring distribution highlighted the depth of the current roster. Five different players finished in double figures, providing a consistent offensive output that kept Marquette’s defense on its heels.
| Player | Points |
|---|---|
| Grace Grocholski | 25 |
| Harmon | 17 |
| Natalie Kussow | 12 |
| Tori Oehrlein | 12 |
| Mara Braun | 11 |
Maintaining the Lead
After entering halftime with a 41-33 advantage, the Gophers continued to press their lead in the third quarter. A 7-0 run, capped by a basket from Grocholski, extended the lead to 60-46 with 2:53 remaining in the frame. The bench provided valuable minutes during this period, accounting for seven of Minnesota’s 25 third-quarter points.
The Maroon and Gold never trailed in the second half.
The team finished the game having converted 12 three-pointers and recorded 20 total assists, reflecting a high level of offensive coordination. Gopher head coach Dawn Plitzuweit discussed the performance with the Gophers Sports Network following the victory.
The Gophers now look ahead to building on this momentum as they continue their schedule. The victory marks a successful road test for the team, demonstrating their ability to capitalize on both second-chance opportunities and defensive takeaways against a BIG EAST opponent.
More on Minnesota
Grace Grocholski hit five 3-pointers and scored 25 points with 11 rebounds; Leah Harmon drained a clutch 3-pointer, and No. 17 Minnesota turned back Marquette 87-79 on Saturday. READ MORE at the link in bio. pic.twitter.com/qeZ7qqLO4v
