Gophers charge past Bison in final

A 21-0 scoring run midway through the first half paved the way for an 80-41 Gophers women's basketball victory over North Dakota State and a Subway Classic championship Sunday night at Williams Arena.

Four Gophers scored in double figures, with freshman Rachel Banham's 14 points leading the way. Kiara Buford, Sari Noga and Leah Cotton each scored 11.

Center Katie Loberg finished with eight points and 10 rebounds.

"I thought we had nine strong today," coach Pam Borton said. "We didn't drop off when we subbed, but I thought we got better. We were able to keep our intensity level up with nine people playing big minutes for us."

After a slow start by the Gophers, Kionna Kellogg's two free throws put them up 11-10 with a little more than 13 minutes left in the half. It was Minnesota's first lead of the game, and it marked the beginning of an offensive surge for the home team.

The Gophers offense was kick-started by Cotton, a junior guard who came off the bench and supplied energy, scrappy defense and seven first-half points, all of which came during the run.

"That's one of Leah's roles," Buford said. "She always comes in, and if you ask her what her role is, she'll say, 'I want to be that spark for the team.' I think that's something she takes pride in."

"Everybody feeds off of Kiara's defense starting the game, and I think when Leah comes in off the bench she just takes it to a whole other level," Borton said.

A Bison basket with 5:41 left in the half ended the Gophers' run, and Minnesota closed the half ahead 39-16. Buford and Micaella Riche combined for seven steals in the half. The Gophers scored 15 points off turnovers, 10 fast-break points and 22 in the paint.

Ten of Banham's 14 points came in the second half. Jackie Voigt scored eight points off the bench in the second half, and the Gophers' 34 points off the bench finished the job.

"Give credit where credit's due," Bison coach Carolyn DeHoff said.