#16 Indiana (14-2 / 6-1) was looking to rebound after a big prime-time loss against #3 Iowa over the weekend, as the Hoosiers hosted Minnesota (13-4 / 3-3) at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on Wednesday evening. 7977 fans were in the arena to see their Hoosiers beat Minnesota 85-62.
Minnesota, a team that has been looking to rebuild after a mass exodus of players just 2 seasons ago, has done a great job of competing at a high level this season, with a young team. The Golden Gophers start one Freshman, three Sophomores, and one Junior, and are averaging 77.6 points per game while shooting 44.4% from the field.
But the Hoosiers played solidly in the first half, despite the Gophers nailing all 5 of their three-point attempts. Indiana had a nice 7-0 run in the first quarter to explode past Minnesota initially, and a 19-2 run to rally their way in the second quarter to an eighteen-point lead at the midway spot.
Defensively, Indiana forced 11 first half turnovers while pulling down 14 rebounds. The Hoosiers were well balanced through and through, establishing the Indiana brand of basketball over the opening 20 minutes, something Hoosier Nation has not seen over the past couple of games.
The third quarter was fairly even, with Minnesota working the ball in the paint on the offensive side. Gopher Guard Mara Braun was finally able to add some productivity, sinking 6 points for Minnesota in the quarter, but Indiana remained strong. All-American Graduate Forward Mackenzie Holmes would continue reigning her terror upon the Gophers. In the 3rd alone, she put up 8, pulled down 3, and assisted twice.
Holmes was unstoppable, grabbing a season high 32 points. She dominated the paint, working both the low and high posts with incredible finesse.
“I know [my teammates] are going to find me when I’m open, and I just have to make the right reads,” said Holmes about her productive night. But there’s no rest for BIG 10 Women’s Basketball teams, as Holmes mentioned what’s next for her and the Hoosiers, “We will come back, watch the film, and get ready for Purdue.”
(photo by Jeremy Hogan)
IU Senior Guard and former Gopher, Sara Scalia also made a statement, dropping 22 points, including 14 in the second quarter.
Collectively, Indiana shot 59% from the field, 46% from the perimeter, grabbed 32 rebounds, and assisted 23 times. IU only turned the ball over 10 times and capitalized to score 19 of their points off of 15 Minnesota turn overs.
Minnesota’s Freshman Forward Grace Grocholski led the Golden Gophers with 19 points, while Guard Amaya Battle had 13 points, and Braun added 14.
Next up, Indiana will travel to Mackey Arena in West Lafayette to take on archrival Purdue for a 2pm tip-off on Sunday afternoon.