U women gameday
7 p.m. vs. Loyola (Ill.), Williams Arena, no TV, 88.5-FM
Gophers at a glance: The Gophers (4-1) are looking to wrap up a sweep of their current three-game homestand only two days after a grinding 62-55 victory over Navy. Minnesota had a significant size advantage against the Midshipmen on Sunday but struggled to handle Navy's motion offense, often getting tangled in perimeter screens. Navy led by as many as seven points in the first half, but much like in the Gophers' 70-59 victory over Kansas on Nov. 20, a 14-4 midgame run helped Minnesota seize control. Junior guard Rachel Banham scored eight points during that stretch and finished with a game-high 18. … Redshirt freshman Amanda Zahui B. was named the Big Ten women's player and freshman of the week Monday.
Loyola at a glance: Loyola (2-3) is off to a slow start this season and comes to Williams Arena hoping to stop a 29-game skid against Big Ten opponents. Loyola is only 3-41 all time against the Big Ten, including 0-2 against Minnesota. … The Ramblers are led by first-year head coach Sheryl Swoopes — yes, that Sheryl Swoopes. The former WNBA star took over the program in April. … Sophomore guard Taylor Johnson, last season's Horizon League freshman of the year, leads the Ramblers in scoring at 18.4 points per game.
BRYCE EVANS
