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Five Gophers Score in Double Figures in No. 22/22 Minnesota's 78-73 Win at Illinois
3/1/2026 3:26:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Sophie Hart led both teams with 17 points while Amaya Battle had 16
URBANA-CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Five Golden Gophers scored in double digits and No. 22/22 Minnesota (22-7, 13-5 Big Ten) took down the Illinois Fighting Illini (19-10, 13-4 Big Ten) 78-73 at State Farm Center on Sunday afternoon
Minnesota was led by Sophie Hart, who had 17 points and six rebounds. Amaya Battle tacked on 16 points and eight rebounds and Finau Tonga chipped in as well with 11 points from the bench. Mara Braun contributed 11 points followed by Tori McKinney's 10.
With the win, it marks the first time since 1984-85 that the Maroon and Gold have recorded 13 Big Ten wins. In addition, the Gophers have earned a double bye in the Big Ten Tournament and will play on Friday in the quarterfinals at 1:30pm CT.
Minnesota shared the ball well in Sunday's game, racking up 17 assists on 27 made field goals. Braun's five assists paced the Gophers.
Minnesota forced 13 Illinois turnovers. The Gophers turned those takeaways into 12 points on the other end of the floor. McKinney's three steals led the way for Minnesota.
How It Happened
After falling behind 6-2, Minnesota went on an 8-0 run with 8:21 left in the first quarter, culminating in a bucket from Battle, to take a 10-6 lead. The Gophers then added four points to that lead by the end of the period and entered the quarter break with a 22-14 advantage. Minnesota did most of its first quarter damage in the paint, scoring 22 of its 22 points close to the basket.
Minnesota kept its first quarter lead intact before going on a 7-0 run starting at the 6:44 mark in the second period, highlighted by a three from Braun, to increase its lead to 36-21. The Illini cut into that lead, but the Gophers still enjoyed a 36-29 advantage heading into halftime. Minnesota was strong from deep in the period, knocking down two three-point shots to account for six of its 14 points.
Minnesota wasted no time building on its lead, going on a 7-0 run, punctuated by a three from Braun, to expand its lead further to 43-29 with 7:36 to go in the third. Before the conclusion of the third period, the Illini had cut into that lead somewhat, but the Gophers still entered the fourth quarter with a 58-50 edge. Minnesota played well near the basket, scoring 12 of its 22 points in the paint.
The Illini proceeded to tie things up at 70-70 before Minnesota went on an 8-0 run to seize a 78-70 lead with eight seconds to go in the contest. The Illini narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Gophers still held on for the 78-73 win.
Game Notes
» The Gophers never trailed after taking a 22-14 first quarter lead.
» Minnesota tallied 17 total assists in the game.
» Five Minnesota players scored 10 or more points.
» Minnesota had a 39-25 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Minnesota defense forced 13 turnovers.
» Minnesota cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 12 offensive boards in the game.
» Sophie Hart led the Gophers with a game-high 17 points.
» Minnesota got a team-high eight rebounds from Amaya Battle.