Northwestern
Minnesota
Gophers Best 'Cats in Conference Debut, 69-54
12/29/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Dec. 29, 2005
Minnesota Box Score
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Chicago, Ill. -- Northwestern hung with No. 15 Minnesota early, but the Gophers used a balance of solid post play and free throws to defeat the Wildcats, 69-54, in the conference opener for both teams at Loyola's Gentile Center. Northwestern is now 4-7 on the season and 0-1 in the Big Ten.
"I liked the energy we played with in the first 30 minutes," head coach Beth Combs said. "We need to get to that next level and play for 40. We need to build on it and bounce back."
A.J. Glasauer (Freiburg, Germany/Theodor-Heuss Gymnasium), Nadia Bibbs (Chicago, Ill./Hillcrest) and Ifeoma Okonkwo (Spring, Texas/Klein Oak) scored in double-figures for the 'Cats. Glasauer led NU with 16 points and five assists, with 10 of her points coming in the first half. Bibbs tallied 11 points and added four dishes to her team-leading assist total, of 58. Bibbs also had four takeaways. Okonkwo recorded her third-consecutive double-figure performance chipping in 10 points and a team-high seven rebounds.
Besides an early 7-5 Minnesota advantage, Northwestern held the lead until the 10:39 mark when a three-pointer by Kelly Roysland gave the Gophers a 22-19 edge. Minnesota spurted to close out the half with a 38-27 lead.
The Gophers maintained the lead throughout the second half. A lay up by Bibbs cut the lead to nine at the 15:45 mark, but that was as close as the 'Cats could get.
Northwestern's defense forced 21 Gopher turnovers, but Minnesota made 16-of-20 free throws, including 9-of-12 in the second half to secure the lead.
Northwestern takes to the hardwood for a 2 p.m. tip on Sunday, Jan. 1 at Wisconsin.
