The Minnesota Golden Gophers women’s basketball team finishes up their Pacific Northwest trip trying to snap a two game losing streak when they face the Oregon Ducks on Wednesday night in Eugene. Minnesota comes
in after back to back losses to #3 UCLA and at Washington last Sunday. The Gophers have missed guard Tori McKinney in both losses as she has dealt with concussion issues. It’s unknown if she may return for the game against the Ducks. Tip is set for 8 PM Central and will stream on B1G+.
Oregon Ducks
Record: 14-6 (2-5)
NET Rank: 24
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Record: 12-6 (3-4)
NET Rank: 16
KEYS TO A GOPHER WIN:
Get Grace Grocholski Going:
Grace Grocholski has been one of the best players for Minnesota to start the season. Unfortunately for her and the Gophers the rest of the Big Ten is figuring that out and has began to neutralize her. She was just 4-17 from the field in the loss to UCLA and followed that up with a 4-13 night against the Huskies. With McKinney out, that won’t do it as under the current offensive system the Gophers are running they can not rely on Amaya Battle Mara Braun to take over and steal a game like it is 2024 anymore. Battle and Braun combined for 31 points in the UCLA game and 30 in the Washington game, but it was not nearly enough. Assuming McKinney is out against the Ducks, the Gophers need to come up with a way to get Grocholski into the game and hitting open looks. Brylee Glen has been decent defensively starting instead of McKinney, but she does not bring nearly the offensive output that McKinney does. If Tori can’t go, and Grace is shut down again, it could be a long night for the Gophers.
Play Elite Defense:
This is also where the Gophers have been missing McKinney. While Oregon does not have any big stars, they have a large group that is capable of putting the ball in the basket. Seven different Ducks have led or tied for the team lead in scoring, with 11 different players producing a double-digit scoring performance. Minnesota needs to show their dominance on the boards where they are averaging 8 more per game than Oregon and not give up second chance points. The Gophers must force turnovers and protect the ball. On average Oregon commits three more turnovers per game than the Gophers. That number must grow on Wednesday and Minnesota must get some fast break points in transition—hopefully finding Grocholski for some good transition three point looks. Minnesota MUST stop the three ball—Oregon is 2nd in the Big Ten at over 39% per game from beyond the arc. If the Ducks are hot from three—Minnesota is in trouble. The Gophers must win this game in the low 60’s. They likely can not boat race the Ducks
Play a Complete Game:
Minnesota has a size advantage with Sophie Hart in the lane and Wednesday night is a game where she needs to bring it. Minnesota needs to pound the ball into the paint early and get Hart some easy points to open up the inside/outside game and free up looks for Grocholski and Braun. Get Oregon in foul trouble—they are one of the most foul prone teams in the conference and then make your free throws. Wisconsin just beat this Ducks team in Double OT last Sunday—they are vulnerable. Play up to your potential, take care of the ball and come home with a big road win.
Prediction:
With McKinney in the lineup the Gophers should win this game easily, but assuming she is out for her third consecutive game, this one will be a struggle. The Gophers really need Grocholski to snap out of her shooting funk. If she can do that, the Gophers have a good chance to win. If Minnesota can get Hart involved early, get the Ducks in foul trouble and make their damn free throws, this should be a win. There are a lot of shoulds and coulds there, now Minnesota needs to do it. Gophers win 69-65.
Next Up:
Minnesota returns home Sunday to host Wisconsin at 2 PM.
