University of Minnesota Athletics: The Gophers Eye WBIT Glory Against Florida Gators!
Exciting Matchup Ahead!
MINNEAPOLIS – Get ready, basketball fans! The University of Minnesota women's basketball team, with an impressive record of 23 wins and 11 losses (8-10 in B1G), is primed for an electrifying showdown in the WBIT semifinals against the Florida Gators (19-17, 5-11 SEC). Make sure to mark your calendars for Monday at 4 p.m. CT. The clash takes place live at the historic Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. For those who can’t make it to the game, you can catch all the action on ESPNU, with Tanner Hoops and Lynnette Sjoquist providing the commentary through KFAN+.
Game Details
Teams: Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Florida Gators
Streaming: ESPNU (with Krista Blunk as PxP, Anne O'Neil as Analyst, and Ashley ShahAhmadi on Sideline)
Radio: KFAN+ 96.7 FM and the iHeartRadio app (Tanner Hoops and Lynnette Sjoquist)
Tip Off: 4 p.m. CT
Location: Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
Gopher Notables: A Season to Remember
The momentum is building for the Golden Gophers with some noteworthy highlights from their season:
Historical Postseason Appearances: This bid for the WBIT marks Minnesota's 18th postseason appearance and their second consecutive season competing in a national tournament.
WNIT Success: Last year, the Gophers made a splash in the WNIT, reaching the championship game for the first time in program history.
All-Big Ten Accolades: Minnesota had two players, Amaya Battle and Grace Grocholski, earn All-Big Ten Honorable Mentions, voted on by coaches and media.
Record-Breaking Nonconference Wins: The Gophers shattered records this season by securing 12 nonconference wins, surpassing their previous high of 11 (set in multiple seasons, including 2018-19).
Scoring Depth: On three occasions, the team saw five Gophers scoring in double digits, showcasing their offensive power, and on ten occasions, four players each cracked 10 points.
Academic Excellence: With 10 Academic All-Big Ten selections, the Gophers not only compete on the court but also excel in the classroom.
Recognition for Excellence: Battle, Grocholski, and Annika Stewart received CSC Academic All-District honors, a testament to their dedication both academically and athletically.
WBIT Quarterfinal Recap
The Gophers showcased their resilience in the WBIT quarterfinals:
Dramatic Comeback: Minnesota staged a thrilling comeback against the Gonzaga Bulldogs, forcing overtime despite an 8-point deficit.
Record-Setting Performance: Amaya Battle delivered a jaw-dropping performance with 35 points, 10 assists, and 5 rebounds—the first Gopher to achieve such a feat since the 2002-03 season!
Full-Court Contributions: Grace Grocholski added a solid 20 points while playing all 45 minutes, and freshman Tori McKinney chipped in with 19 points, demonstrating the depth and tenacity of the team.
About the Upcoming Game Against Florida
First-Ever Clash: This will mark the first meeting between Minnesota and Florida, making it an exciting moment in Gopher history as they compete in their inaugural WBIT semifinal.
Historical Context: The Gophers have previously faced teams from the SEC, holding a record of 15-29.
Recent Success Against SEC: In their last matchup against an SEC team, Minnesota triumphed over Kentucky with a convincing score of 76-57 last season.
Florida's Key Player: The Gators are led by standout Liv McGill, who is currently averaging 16.5 points per game with a notable shooting percentage of 43.1%.
Understanding the WBIT
Tournament Details: The Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT) is in its second year as a 32-team postseason single-elimination tournament with NCAA backing.
Significance in Women's Basketball: This tournament serves as the second-best postseason competition in women’s basketball, right behind the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament.
Conclusion: A Chance for Glory
As the Gophers gear up for what promises to be an exhilarating contest against the Florida Gators, fans worldwide are filled with anticipation. The Minnesota women's basketball team has proven time and again that they are a force to be reckoned with, blending athletic prowess with academic excellence. Tune in on ESPNU** to cheer on the Golden Gophers as they strive for victory and further etch their legacy in the annals of college basketball.
Go Gophers! 🏀✨
For more information on the Gophers and the upcoming matchup, visit Gopher Sports for all the latest updates and highlights.
