Film lights fire under U players

After an embarrassing loss to a Division II foe, the Gophers heeded their coach's demand for more defense.

By MYRON P. MEDCALF, Star Tribune

Last update: November 9, 2009 - 5:50 AM

The Gophers women's basketball team might have learned its lesson about underestimating an opponent.

Of course, Thursday's nothing-but-defense practice following a 64-62 exhibition loss to Division II Winona State on Wednesday night helped.

The Gophers bounced back by topping Minnesota Duluth, another Division II foe, 77-45 on Sunday at Williams Arena in their second and final exhibition.

The Gophers open the regular season against Lamar next Sunday.

"Well, Thursday was supposed to be film and shooting and it definitely wasn't that," head coach Pam Borton said after the game. "It was definitely a wake-up call for our players. To say the least, I thought we had a very inspiring film session and practice."

The Gophers adhered to Borton's demand for better defense in the aftermath of Wednesday's surprising and embarrassing loss for a Minnesota squad that was recently picked to finish third in the Big Ten by the league's coaches.

Winona State hit half of its shots against the Gophers. UMD made just 25 percent and missed all seven of its three-point attempts in the second half.

The Warriors had 18 turnovers, but the Gophers forced 30 against the Bulldogs.

"Obviously, I thought we came out and had a very good start to the exhibition today -- a lot better than it was on Wednesday," Borton said. "I think we did a really good job of setting the tone with our defense. ... I think the biggest thing is we learned you have to respect every opponent."

Freshman Leah Cotton, a 5-8 guard who played like a 6-5 post player, earned 10 of Minnesota's 17 trips to the free throw line by attacking the basket with every inch of her undersized frame. The first-year player from the Kansas City area finished with 15 points, two assists and four steals in 15 minutes, after scoring five points in seven minutes against Winona State.

Sophomore Kiara Buford led all scorers with 19 points and made all three of her tries from beyond the arc.

"I think the difference between tonight's game and Winona's game is that ... we had some kind of fire underneath us," Cotton said. "We actually had a motive. ... I don't think we played at all against Winona State because watching the film -- man, that was nasty."

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