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University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
4-0,0-0Big Ten
Kansas State
4-1,0-0Big 12
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas St. | 10 | 17 | 20 | 18 | 65 |
| Minnesota | 12 | 17 | 16 | 23 | 68 |
11/14/2026 3:42:00 PM | Women's Basketball
SIOUX FALL, S.D. - Led by freshman Natalie Kussow's 15 points, the No. 18/17 University of Minnesota women's basketball team (4-0, 0-0 Big Ten) defeated Kansas State (4-1, 0-0 Big 12) 68-65 at the Sanford Pentagon on Saturday.
Four Golden Gophers scored in double figures. Alongside Kussow's 15 points, four blocks, and two steals, Gracie Merkle added 13 points and eight rebounds off the bench. Grace Grocholski chipped in 11 points and eight boards, while Mara Braun finished with 10 points and six rebounds.
Minnesota controlled the glass, out rebounding the Wildcats 41-31. The Maroon and Gold grabbed 16 offensive boards, turning them into nine second-chance points, and dominated the paint with a 44-30 scoring advantage inside.
How It Happened
After falling behind 8-2 midway through the opening frame, Kussow sparked a 10-0 Minnesota run with a 3-pointer, followed by a Kennedy Klick layup and free throw to tie the game at 8-8. Baskets from Grocholski and Makena Christian led the Gophers to a 12-10 advantage after one.
Minnesota pushed its lead to as many as six in the second quarter, scoring 14 of its 17 period points in the paint to take a 29-27 advantage into halftime.
Kansas State opened the third quarter with a 9-0 run to build an eight-point cushion, but Minnesota chipped away behind Kussow and Merkle before heading into the fourth trailing 47-45.
The fourth quarter featured seven lead changes. Trailing 61-60, Merkle finished a layup with 2:29 remaining to put Minnesota back on top, 62-61. After Kansas State answered with a second-chance tip-in, Klick finished a driving layup in the paint for a 64-63 lead with 1:17 left. Following two Wildcat free throws, Klick struck again in the paint with 39 seconds remaining to put the Gophers ahead for good, 66-65. Kussow then blocked a Wildcat layup attempt on the other end, and Braun knocked down a pair of free throws with 21 seconds left to seal the 68-65 victory.
Game Notes
» The Golden Gophers shot well from three point range, knocking down five long range attempts.
» The Minnesota bench made an impact by scoring 24 points to its scoring output.
» Minnesota had a 41-31 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Maroon and Gold defense forced 15 turnovers.
» Minnesota cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 16 offensive boards in the game.
» Natalie Kussow led the Gophers with 15 points.
» Minnesota got eight rebounds from both Gracie Merkle and Grace Grocholski.
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