UPDATE: In a nail-biting finish, the Minnesota Gophers women’s basketball team suffered a 63-57 defeat against the Kansas Jayhawks in Lawrence, Kansas, on November 15, 2023. This marks Minnesota’s first loss of the season, dropping their record to 4-1.
The Gophers faced a challenging start, shooting a mere 17.6% from the field in the first quarter, allowing Kansas to establish a 10-point lead. However, Minnesota rebounded to take a brief lead of 25-23 in the second quarter, outscoring the Jayhawks 19-11.
Despite a fierce comeback, the Gophers were unable to capitalize late in the game. After tying the score at 49-all, Minnesota closed the gap to 59-57 with only 36 seconds left on the clock. Unfortunately, Kansas secured the victory by hitting crucial free throws in the final moments.
Tori McKinney led Minnesota with 14 points, while Mara Braun contributed 13 points and Grace Grocholski added 12 points. Overall, the Gophers finished with a shooting percentage of 34.4% for the game, including a disappointing 21.7% from beyond the arc.
Looking ahead, Minnesota will next participate in the Baha Mar Hoops Pink Flamingo Championship tournament in Nassau, Bahamas. The Gophers are scheduled to face South Florida at 3 p.m. on Monday, November 20, 2023, followed by a potential matchup against either Harvard or Alabama on Wednesday.
This latest loss highlights the challenges the Gophers face as they navigate their early-season schedule. Fans are eager to see how the team rebounds in the upcoming tournament, hoping for a quick turnaround to maintain their competitive edge.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Gophers as they continue their season and strive for redemption in the Bahamas!
