The Gophers women's basketball team might still have a losing record in conference play, but at least it can hang its hat on its recent performances at home.
The Gophers knocked off a nationally ranked opponent at Williams Arena for the second time in three games, grinding out a 64-58 victory over No. 16 Nebraska on Monday night.
Rachel Banham's 21 points and Kiara Buford's 16 paced the Gophers (13-14, 5-8 Big Ten), who started the game down 11-3, but rebounding was the big key, coach Pam Borton said.
With the score tied and a minute to play, Kionna Kellogg grabbed a big offensive board and scored to give the Gophers a 60-58 lead. The defense would hold Nebraska for another possession, then senior Brianna Mastey garnered her own rebound with 15 seconds left. The Cornhuskers (19-5, 8-4) fouled Banham, who made both free throws to extend the lead to 62-58 and seal the upset before an announced 3,247.
"Those few plays are the difference for us in the end of those games," said Buford, who was 6-for-9 from the floor, including 2-for-2 from three-point range.
In their previous two home games, the Gophers beat then-No. 9 Ohio State 76-65 on Jan. 29 and had a second-half lead against then-No. 19 Penn State before losing 68-65. That was the second game of a three-game losing streak that ended Monday.
Borton said some of the team's struggles away from home can be solved with better play and leadership from veterans, something the Gophers got Monday.
"I think that's been an issue for us on the road," Borton said. "I think for us to be successful on the road, you need your veterans to step up and play well."
