University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
10-4,1-2Big Ten
Michigan
12-2,3-1Big Ten
Grocholski, Braun Combine to Score 36, Minnesota Falls to No. 9 Michigan 70-60
1/5/2026 7:40:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Grocholski had 22 points, Braun had 14
ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Grace Grocholski and Mara Braun combined to score 36 total points, but the Golden Gophers (10-4, 1-2 Big Ten) fell to the Michigan Wolverines (12-2, 3-1 Big Ten) 70-60 on the road Monday.
Grocholski led the Gophers with 22 points and eight rebounds. Braun added 14 points and Finau Tonga chipped in as well with eight points off the bench.
Minnesota grabbed 35 rebounds in Monday's game compared to Michigan's 33, led by Grocholski's eight boards. The Gophers also put in work on the offensive glass, turning 10 rebounds into nine second chance points.
The Minnesota defense caused its share of mistakes in Monday's game, forcing 14 Michigan turnovers. Those takeaways turned into 12 points on the offensive end of the floor. Brylee Glenn led the way individually for the Gophers with three steals.
How It Happened
After falling behind 5-0, Minnesota went on an 8-0 run with 7:22 left in the first quarter, culminating in a bucket from Sophie Hart, to take an 8-5 lead. The Gophers then added six points to that lead by the end of the period and entered the quarter break with a 19-10 advantage. Minnesota did most of its first quarter damage in the paint, scoring 10 of its 19 points close to the basket.
Michigan rallied to take a 23-22 lead before Minnesota went on a 7-0 run starting at the 3:15 mark in the second period, highlighted by a bucket from Amaya Battle, to take a 29-23 lead. The Wolverines cut into that lead, but the Gophers still enjoyed a 29-28 advantage heading into halftime. Minnesota was strong from deep in the period, knocking down two three-point shots to account for six of its 10 points.
Minnesota then lost its advantage in the third quarter and trailed the Wolverines 44-43 entering the fourth. Minnesota played well near the basket, scoring 12 of its 14 points in the paint.
Minnesota could not pull any closer in the fourth, losing by a final of 70-60. Minnesota fired away from deep in the quarter, knocking down three shots to account for nine of its 17 points.
Game Notes
» Grocholski and Braun carried the load for the Gophers, accounting for 60 percent their point.
» Minnesota lost despite a 35-33 rebounding advantage.
» The Minnesota defense forced 14 turnovers.
» Minnesota cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 10 offensive boards in the game.
» Grocholski led the Gophers with a game-high 22 points.
» Minnesota got a game-high eight rebounds from Grocholski.
