Gophers Fall Short Against Kansas in 63-57 Road Loss

UPDATE: In a dramatic finish, the Minnesota Gophers women’s basketball team suffered a 63-57 defeat against the Kansas Jayhawks on November 15, 2023. This marks the Gophers’ first loss of the season and their initial setback in what was also their first road game.

The Gophers, who started slow, shooting just 3 of 17 (17.6%) in the first quarter, found themselves trailing by as much as ten points early in the game. However, they rallied to take a temporary lead of 25-23 in the second quarter, outscoring Kansas 19-11 during that period.

Despite the comeback, Kansas regained control in the second half. The game was tightly contested, with Minnesota tying it at 49-all late in the fourth quarter. But the Jayhawks clinched the game at the free-throw line, sealing the win just as the Gophers closed the gap to 59-57 with only 36 seconds remaining.

Tori McKinney led the Gophers with 14 points, while Mara Braun contributed 13 points and Grace Grocholski added 12 points. Overall, Minnesota struggled with their shooting, finishing the game with 34.4% from the field and only 5 of 23 (21.7%) from beyond the arc.

The Gophers will look to bounce back as they head to the Bahamas for the Baha Mar Hoops Pink Flamingo Championship. Their next matchup is scheduled against South Florida on Monday at 3 p.m. in Nassau, followed by a potential game against either Harvard or Alabama on Wednesday.

Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Minnesota aims to recover from this setback and regain their winning momentum in the upcoming tournament.