Scoggins: Gophers women’s basketball sends message with win over No. 10 Ohio State

The Gophers women’s basketball team shouldn’t be under the radar anymore. Not locally. Not nationally.

The message being sent is unmistakable by now.

This is a strong, tough, well-balanced, confident team that is peaking at the best possible time.

They’re kind of goofy, too.

Hey, their words.

“We all joke around, we all love each other, we all smile and have a good time,” center Sophie Hart said.

They’re also serious business on the court and gaining steam.

The Gophers (21-6, 12-4 Big Ten) have won nine consecutive games, the second-longest winning streak against Big Ten competition in program history.

Their résumé includes two victories against top-10 opponents (Iowa and Ohio State) and a No. 9 NET ranking, which is an analytics tool used by the NCAA tournament selection committee in evaluating teams.

The Gophers deserve high marks when using the eye test standard, too.

Coach Dawn Plitzuweit has constructed a versatile, cohesive roster in her third season at the helm. The Gophers don’t rely on one or two players to shoulder the scoring burden or bail them out of tight spots. Their strength lies in their ability to win multiple ways by leaning on the entire group.

They have balanced scoring with all five starters averaging double figures. They are stingier than Ebenezer Scrooge on defense. They commit few turnovers. And they exude toughness.

Wednesday’s victory served as a case study.

The Gophers had a nightmare first half shooting the ball. They missed 29 shots, many of them open looks or point-blank shots at the rim.

Despite that, they only trailed 29-26 at halftime.

Good teams give themselves a chance even when circumstances aren’t ideal.

“We kept battling,” guard Mara Braun said. “We got back to having fun and playing loose.”

The Gophers finished with the fewest turnovers (nine) of any Ohio State opponent this season, including top-ranked and undefeated UConn.

The Buckeyes average 83 points per game. Their 61 points were a season low.

“We have a lot of trust in each other, so we don’t panic,” Hart said.

Both Hart and Braun scored 18 points. Amaya Battle delivered her normal all-around effort with 13 points, 12 rebounds and five assists.

Grace Grocholski made four three-pointers. Tori McKinney set the tone defensively.

One sequence crystallized their identity. Braun missed a three-pointer that ignited an Ohio State fast break in the third quarter. She hustled back and blocked a layup attempt on a 2-on-1 advantage for the Buckeyes.

“Find a way,” Braun said. “That’s what we talk about. Never giving up, never hanging our heads.”

Connected is a word that comes to mind when describing the Gophers’ style of play and chemistry on the court. The players are in sync on both ends and dependent on each other. Their individual skills and strengths fit nicely when blended.

Their personalities mesh equally as well.

“If we were missing one teammate, our team would be off,” Hart said. “Just because everybody’s personality is so important.”

Wednesday’s victory improves the Gophers’ chances of securing a top-16 seed in the NCAA tournament, which would give them the option of hosting first- and second-round games.

The Gophers are playing like a team deserving of one of those coveted seeds.

“They’re really locked in,” Plitzuweit said. “They create their own energy. They don’t rely on anyone else to create it for them.”