Gophers women's basketball gameday

PUERTO RICO TIP-OFF • Friday: 3:45 p.m. vs. Stetson; SATURDAY: 6 p.m. vs. Auburn

Radio: Friday, 88.5-FM; Saturday, 1500-AM

About the Gophers: Rachel Banham's magic number is 31. That's how many points she needs to break Lindsay Whalen's school record of 2,285 career points. Expect the record to fall on the island, as Banham is averaging 25.3 points per game in the Gophers' first three games. Minnesota is 3-0, its closest game a 12-point victory at Kent State on Tuesday. Sophomore Carlie Wagner (19.3), senior Mikayla Bailey (15) and sophomore Jessie Edwards (12.3) are also averaging in double figures. In the first season of four 10-minute quarters, instead of two 20-minute halves, the Gophers have been crushing in the fourth, outscoring opponents 86-35.

About Stetson: The Hatters are 3-1 but were floored by the one power-conference team they have played, losing 76-55 to Georgia two weeks ago. Junior guard Brianti Saunders leads the team in scoring (16.5 ppg).

About Auburn: The Auburn-Alabama football rivalry is so big, you wonder if the Tigers will be distracted pregame watching the Iron Bowl. Like Stetson, Auburn is 3-1, with their one loss coming against their one power-conference opponent. Virginia won 69-52 in Auburn last week. Bespectacled junior guard Brandy Montgomery is averaging a team-high 17.5 points per game.

Format: Unlike the men's team's recent three-game tournament on the island, the women's team will play two scheduled games, not a tournament.

Staff reports