The Minnesota women's basketball team continues to prove its defensive prowess, dominating Purdue 88-55 in a game that showcased the Gophers' ability to shut down opponents. The decisive win marked Minnesota's fourth straight victory and pushed the team into Thursday's matchup against eighth-ranked Iowa.
Gophers guard Amaya Battle provided 17 points and nine rebounds, while sophomore Sophie Hart chipped in with 15 points, six rebounds, and a career-high three blocks. Tori McKinney added 14 points, contributing to Minnesota's impressive shooting performance, which saw the team convert 60.3% of their shots.
Coach Dawn Plitzuweit praised her team's defensive efforts, stating that "you have to want to be really good defensively" in order to be a solid team. The Gophers' ability to hold opponents to just 30.9% shooting through the first three quarters was particularly notable, with the team ultimately limiting Purdue to 37.9% for the game.
Purdue's KiKi Smith led her team with 13 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome Minnesota's stifling defense. The loss marks the fifth consecutive defeat for the Boilermakers, who now sit at 11-11 overall and 3-8 in conference play.
The Gophers' win has them one step closer to securing a spot in the NCAA tournament, with coach Plitzuweit cautioning against getting ahead of schedule. "You can't really look all the way into March right now," she said. "The Big Ten is one of the best leagues for college women's basketball, and you have to focus on one game at a time."
Minnesota's strong defensive play has been a key factor in their success this season, with opponents shooting just 36.2% against them. The Gophers' ability to shut down opponents has led to some impressive wins, including last week's victory over Iowa State.
With the win over Purdue, Minnesota will look to continue its momentum heading into Thursday's matchup against Iowa. The team's focus remains on one game at a time, but their defensive prowess has undoubtedly been a deciding factor in their success so far this season.
Gophers guard Amaya Battle provided 17 points and nine rebounds, while sophomore Sophie Hart chipped in with 15 points, six rebounds, and a career-high three blocks. Tori McKinney added 14 points, contributing to Minnesota's impressive shooting performance, which saw the team convert 60.3% of their shots.
Coach Dawn Plitzuweit praised her team's defensive efforts, stating that "you have to want to be really good defensively" in order to be a solid team. The Gophers' ability to hold opponents to just 30.9% shooting through the first three quarters was particularly notable, with the team ultimately limiting Purdue to 37.9% for the game.
Purdue's KiKi Smith led her team with 13 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome Minnesota's stifling defense. The loss marks the fifth consecutive defeat for the Boilermakers, who now sit at 11-11 overall and 3-8 in conference play.
The Gophers' win has them one step closer to securing a spot in the NCAA tournament, with coach Plitzuweit cautioning against getting ahead of schedule. "You can't really look all the way into March right now," she said. "The Big Ten is one of the best leagues for college women's basketball, and you have to focus on one game at a time."
Minnesota's strong defensive play has been a key factor in their success this season, with opponents shooting just 36.2% against them. The Gophers' ability to shut down opponents has led to some impressive wins, including last week's victory over Iowa State.
With the win over Purdue, Minnesota will look to continue its momentum heading into Thursday's matchup against Iowa. The team's focus remains on one game at a time, but their defensive prowess has undoubtedly been a deciding factor in their success so far this season.
they're killing it on defense right now! 30.9% shooting for Purdue is insane 
and it's awesome that the Gophers are playing so strong together as a team 
. I think what's key here is they're stayin' focused and don't get ahead of themselves. Coach Dawn Plitzuweit's got it right, you gotta take it one game at a time. If they can keep that defense goin', I'm sure they'll be just fine 
.
. Like, have you ever tried that new ramen shop downtown? It's SO good! They have these crazy rich pork broth soups that are just... wow 
. And the noodles, man... it's like they're made from magic or something 
. Anyway, back to hoops... I mean, who doesn't love a good underdog story? Like Purdue right now, trying to turn their season around 
. But seriously, can we talk about how comfy those college basketball arenas are? 
I swear, I've spent hours just chillin' in the stands, watching the games... it's like my happy place 
.
! They're really making it hard for opponents to score. Amaya Battle and Sophie Hart are killing it with those blocks 
. And coach Plitzuweit is onto something with the focus on one game at a time... don't wanna get ahead of ourselves just yet 
.
. I mean, 30.9% shooting for the first three quarters is just embarrassing. Maybe they should just switch to dodgeball instead of basketball 
. And Amaya Battle is on fire 
... like, who doesn't want to be in the NCAA tournament tho?! 
. Now, let's hope they keep that momentum going against Iowa on Thursday! 
I'm loving how the Gophers are dominating on defense, it's like they're in a zone 
. And let's be real, Amaya Battle and Sophie Hart are giving me LIFE with their stats 
! 17 points and 9 rebounds from Battle is straight fire 
. With this momentum going into their matchup against Iowa, I'm all about the Gophers to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament 
coach plitz is all about keepin it real tho, remindin us not to get ahead of ourselves 
gotta focus on one game at a time 
but def minn's defense is on point 36.2% opponent shooting is whack 
. Can't wait to see how they take on Iowa next! 
. This win against Purdue has them looking solid for the NCAA tournament, fingers crossed! 
! I mean, 30.9% shooting for Purdue through the first three quarters? That's just crazy talk! The way they were able to shut down KiKi Smith and limit their scoring opportunities was a huge factor in their win.
I'm loving the teamwork and communication between those players - it's like they have a secret sauce 
Coach Plitzuweit is doing an amazing job too, keeping them focused and motivated. 
but yeah, 1-8 in conference play for purdue doesn't sound good 
hope they can turn it around soon. and can we talk about amaya battle's stats though? 17 points and 9 rebounds 
! It's clear that their team effort and teamwork are really paying off. The stats for Amaya Battle, Sophie Hart, and Tori McKinney are crazy impressive 
! Coach Plitzuweit is on point with her one-game-at-a-time approach, but it's clear that the Gophers have this! The NCAA tournament is getting closer, and I'm here for it 
gotta stay focused for Iowa Thurs 