In a pulsating WBIT quarterfinal clash at Williams Arena, the Minnesota Golden Gophers stormed past the Gonzaga Bulldogs in an 82-77 overtime victory that showcased grit, resilience, and a career-defining performance from sophomore guard Amaya Battle. The win propels Minnesota (23-11) into the tournament semifinals, where they will face Florida on Monday at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, airing live on ESPNU.
A Star is Born: Battle's Career Night
Amaya Battle was the undisputed heartbeat of Minnesota’s offense. The sophomore sensation poured in a career-high 35 points while dishing out 10 assists to record a double-double in one of the most complete performances of her collegiate career. Battle’s offensive prowess was on full display—slashing to the rim, creating for others, and taking over in critical moments. Her 35 points accounted for over 40% of Minnesota’s total offense, a testament to her leadership and playmaking in high-pressure situations.
What sets Battle’s performance apart isn’t just the scoring—her court vision and decision-making helped the Gophers rack up 17 assists on 29 made field goals, a stat that underscores the team’s unselfish play and ability to move the ball effectively against a tenacious Gonzaga defense.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
While Battle stole the headlines, Minnesota’s supporting cast delivered when it mattered most. Freshman standout Grace Grocholski added 20 points along with six rebounds, four assists, and two steals. She was instrumental in several momentum-swinging sequences, including a pair of clutch three-pointers—one that capped a crucial 9-0 run late in regulation and another that helped tilt overtime in Minnesota’s favor.
Tori McKinney also played a vital role, contributing 19 points and two steals, often applying pressure on Gonzaga’s backcourt and pushing the pace in transition. The trio of Battle, Grocholski, and McKinney accounted for a staggering 90% of Minnesota’s total points, emphasizing their centrality to the team’s success on both ends of the court.
Game Flow: A Tale of Runs and Resilience
Minnesota got off to a strong start, closing the first quarter on a 6-0 run to take a 25-16 lead. But Gonzaga, behind the dominant inside presence of Yvonne Ejim, stormed back in the second quarter, outscoring Minnesota 19-9 and seizing a narrow 35-34 lead at the break. Ejim was nearly flawless in the first half, going 7-for-8 from the floor for 15 points while dominating the boards.
The Bulldogs continued to control the tempo in the third quarter, expanding their lead to 56-50 with efficient scoring and disciplined defense. But Minnesota refused to back down, ramping up their transition offense to claw back in the fourth. A pivotal 9-0 run—punctuated by a Grocholski triple—helped the Gophers regain the lead with just over a minute remaining.
Still, Gonzaga wasn’t done. Freshman guard Allie Turner drained a gutsy three-pointer to tie the game at 70-all and force overtime, capping a tense final minute of regulation.
Overtime Domination
In the extra period, it was all Minnesota. The Gophers responded to an early Gonzaga bucket with a 5-0 burst to reclaim control. Their poise in overtime, especially from Battle and Grocholski, helped them hold off any late surge from the Bulldogs. They outscored Gonzaga 12-7 in the extra frame to seal the win.
Rebounding & Resilience
One of the game’s overlooked keys was Minnesota’s tenacity on the glass. The Gophers outrebounded Gonzaga 43-37 and snagged a commanding 18 offensive boards, creating second-chance opportunities that proved crucial, especially during scoring droughts. Sophie Hart chipped in with six rebounds alongside Grocholski’s six, ensuring Minnesota stayed competitive on the interior.
Gonzaga's Standouts: A Fitting End to a Historic Season
Despite the loss, Yvonne Ejim closed her season on a high note. She recorded her 15th double-double of the year with 27 points and 15 rebounds, surpassing Gonzaga legend Courtney Vandersloot’s single-season scoring record by reaching 726 points. Her consistency this season—scoring 20+ in 20 games—cements her place among the program’s all-time greats.
Allie Turner, with her late-game heroics, concluded her freshman campaign with 470 points, the second-highest in Gonzaga freshman history behind only Tammy Tibbles (475 in 1984-85). Ines Bettencourt also provided a lift off the bench with 13 points, showing the depth and future promise of this Bulldogs squad.
What’s Next for Minnesota
Minnesota’s run in the inaugural Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT) now moves to Indianapolis, where the Gophers will meet Florida with a spot in the championship game on the line. With Battle playing at an elite level, and the supporting cast gaining confidence, the Gophers are peaking at just the right time.
This game was more than a statistical showcase—it was a declaration that Minnesota women’s basketball, under second-year head coach Dawn Plitzuweit, is building a culture of grit, resilience, and ambition. The future looks bright in Maroon & Gold.
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