gophers women's gameday
2 P.M. VS. Maryland • Williams Arena • ESPN2, 1500-AM
Gophers at a glance: For the first time in nine seasons, Minnesota (14-1, 3-0 Big Ten) will tip off a game at Williams Arena ranked inside the AP Top 25. The No. 23 Gophers are off to their best start in more than 10 years, and after three Big Ten wins last week — over No. 19 Nebraska, Purdue and Wisconsin — have won 10 straight. ... At the forefront of the Gophers' success is sophomore center Amanda Zahui B. The 6-5 Swede has been dominant recently, averaging 19.2 points, 14.4 rebounds, 4.8 blocks, 2.2 assists and 1.6 steals over the past five games. ... Junior point guard Shayne Mullaney has also been strong, averaging 14.7 points, 6.0 assists and 3.7 rebounds since opening Big Ten play. Her 6.0 assist-to-turnover ratio is the best in the league.
Terrapins at a glance: No. 12 Maryland (12-2, 3-0) will play in Minneapolis for the first time in program history, but coach Brenda Frese is hardly a stranger to the Barn. She coached the Gophers to a 22-8 season in 2001-02, advancing to the second round of the NCAA tournament in her lone year at Minnesota. ... In its first Big Ten season, Maryland, a Final Four team a year ago, is off to an impressive start. The Terrapins beat Ohio State by nine in their league opener, before blowing out Nebraska 75-47 and Purdue 88-64. ... Mincy Laurin (14.3 points per game) leads four Terrapins averaging in double figures.
Bryce Evans
