Gophers Fall to Kansas, Suffer First Loss of Season 63-57

BREAKING: The Minnesota women’s basketball team faced a tough defeat on the road, falling to Kansas with a final score of 63-57 on November 15, 2023. This marks the Gophers’ first loss of the season, slipping their record to 4-1 as they struggle to maintain momentum in critical moments.

In a game that saw Minnesota recover from a sluggish start, they could not clinch the win in the final minutes, despite a strong effort. Leading scorer Tori McKinney topped the charts with 14 points, while Mara Braun contributed 13 points and Grace Grocholski added 12 points.

The Gophers shot a challenging 34.4% from the field throughout the game, including a dismal 21.7% from beyond the arc, hitting just 5 of 23 3-point attempts. The game began poorly for Minnesota, as they shot just 3 of 17 (or 17.6%) in the first quarter, allowing Kansas to establish a significant 10-point lead.

Despite this rocky start, Minnesota rallied back to take a brief lead of 25-23 in the second quarter, outscoring Kansas 19-11 in that period. However, the Jayhawks managed to control much of the second half, leading for the majority of it. At a crucial moment, Minnesota tied the game at 49-49, but could not maintain that energy.

With only 36 seconds left on the clock, the Gophers closed the gap to 59-57. Yet, Kansas sealed the victory with decisive free throws, showcasing their poise under pressure.

Looking ahead, Minnesota prepares for the Baha Mar Hoops Pink Flamingo Championship in Nassau, Bahamas, where they will face South Florida at 3 p.m. on Monday. A matchup against either Harvard or Alabama is set for Wednesday, presenting an opportunity to bounce back.

This loss serves as a reminder of the challenges ahead for the Gophers as they navigate their season. Fans will be eager to see how the team responds in their upcoming tournament.