Recent content from Kent Youngblood
Gophers women's basketball gets first-round WNIT bye
The Gophers will play either Cal Poly or Pacific in the second round.
NCAA women's basketball: What to watch in all four regions
Four must-watch players and four must-watch matchups from the 68-team field which was announced Sunday.
U women accept WNIT bid after missing NCAA and WBIT fields
The Gophers women's basketball team extended its season, with its next opponent and game time TBA as of late Sunday night.
Gophers women waiting for invite Sunday from new WBIT or the WNIT
The Gophers are 16-15, with no chance of an NCAA bid, but they hope for a postseason berth. The new WBIT is a possibility, along with the WNIT.
Hiedeman should give Lynx better options at guard
The Lynx open the WNBA season on May 14 at Seattle with the goal of improving on defense.
Newcomers Smith, Williams add depth, experience to Lynx
Veterans Alanna Smith and Courtney Williams represent significant transformation for the Lynx.
Clark. Iowa rallies again (and again) to win title in overtime
The Hawkeyes defeated Nebraska for their third straight Big Ten tournament title after trailing by double-digits at halftime, and by eight with under two minutes left in regulation.
Clark's 28 points, 15 assists lead Iowa into Big Ten title game at Target Center
The Hawkeyes dished out 30 assists as a team in the blowout victory over Michigan and will face Nebraska on Sunday for another conference championship.
Far from her best, Clark still leads Iowa over Penn State in Big Ten quarters
Despite not making one of her signature three pointers until the fourth quarter, Caitlin Clark still had a team-high 24 points sending the Hawkeyes into Saturday's semifinals.
What's next for Gophers women's basketball after Big Ten exit?
The Gophers hope for a WNIT bid on March 17 and the next day, the transfer portal opens.
Little drama as U women lose to Michigan, exit Big Ten tournament
The start was slow and the shots didn't fall. The Gophers women were no match for sixth-seeded Michigan in the second-round defeat.
Battle's career night boosts Gophers past last-place Rutgers; Michigan next
Amaya Battle scored 32 points as the Gophers won for the second time in their last 12 games to move into the second round of the Big Ten tournament.
Gophers in tatters as they open Big Ten women's tournament
Remember when the U was projected to make the NCAA tournament field? That was before a key injury and 10 losses in their last 11 games. The last two were by a combined 104 points.
Gophers women to open Big Ten tournament vs. 8-23 Rutgers
Kent Youngblood's breakdown: The Gophers and Rutgers have both struggled mightily since their Feb. 13 matchup, which the Scarlet Knights won 81-73.
Caitlin Clark named Big Ten women's basketball Player of the Year again
The Gophers' Grace Grocholski was a unanimous pick for the Big Ten all-freshman team, with Mara Braun and Amaya Battle getting honorable mention honors.
Ten players to watch at this week's Big Ten women's tournament
The Big Ten women's basketball tournament brings stars from across the 14-team conference, with a champion set to be crowned Sunday at Target Center.
Five Minnesotans to watch in the Big Ten women's basketball tournament
Here's some of the homegrown talent returning to the state to demonstrate their skills at Target Center.
U women's season hits low point with loss by 56 points to Penn State
The loss was the second worst ever in program history and comes days after a 108-60 loss to Iowa. The Big Ten tournament opens Wednesday.
Gophers women head to Penn State for final regular-season game
Given how much the Nittany Lions have to play for, and given Minnesota's injuries, an upset on the road will be difficult for the Gophers.
Trade for Caitlin Clark? 'Not a chance,' says Lynx coach Reeve
Cheryl Reeve said there's no doubt Clark will be the No. 1 overall pick and that Indiana won't trade the pick. People will say, 'Sell the farm to get her. Well, the farm ain't going to be enough.'
Clark sets scoring record as the GOAT goes wild at the Barn
Iowa superstar Caitlin Clark hit a three-pointer with 4:29 to play to set the women's Division I scoring record as fans of the Hawkeyes and Gophers cheered her on.
Iowa's Clark breaks another record, this time against the Gophers
The Gophers couldn't stop Caitlin Clark's record-breaking run Wednesday, as she surpassed Lynette Woodard as the highest-scoring major-college women's basketball player of all-time.
Clark's historic visit to Williams Arena comes with perfect timing
The explosion of popularity for women's sports in general has provided the backdrop as Caitlin Clark and her Iowa teammates play before sellout crowds everywhere they go.
Gophers injuries will make it doubly tough to stop Clark, Iowa
Kent Youngblood's breakdown: Caitlin Clark has talented teammates, too, and the Gophers are a longshot to win, especially given their injury situation.
Gophers women's basketball crushed 70-51 at Nebraska
It was the eighth loss in the past nine games for the Gophers, who continue to struggle mightily without injured starters.
Gophers women's basketball heads on the road to face red-hot Nebraska
Kent Youngblood's breakdown: The Gophers are battling injuries, while the Huskers have won four of five, including an upset win at Iowa.
Big Ten women's basketball tournament officially sold out
Iowa's Caitlin Clark has been a huge draw, helping spur sellout crowds for the conference tournament at Target Center.
U women's basketball gets Wisconsin high school standout as 2025 commit
Makena Christian is a 6-foot forward/guard ranked No. 39 in the 2025 class by ESPN. She is averaging 25.5 points per game this season for Hartford (Wis.) Union High School.
U women unable to dig out of early hole in 67-56 loss to Wisconsin
Serah Williams scored 30 points to lead the Badgers past the Gophers, who couldn't overcome a 15-point halftime deficit and lost its seventh in eight games.
U women seek redemption vs. Wisconsin after snapping skid
After ending a losing streak Saturday, Minnesota is looking for its first victory against the Badgers since 2022. The two teams are both 5-9 in conference play.
U women's basketball ends losing skid with 88-63 victory over Northwestern
Grace Grocholski (27 points) made her first eight shots and finished the game 10-for-13.
Lynx sign 6-foot-4 forward to training camp contract
Veteran forward Ruthy Hebard, who played for Chicago, is on a training camp deal along with four others who have WNBA experience.
Gophers women look to bounce back against Northwestern
Kent Youngblood's breakdown: This is an opportunity for the Gophers to snap their losing streak, but they've had other chances and missed.
Areas of concern: How can U women end their six-game losing streak?
The Gophers need a reset after Tuesday's loss at last-place Rutgers. They'll look to snap their losing streak on Saturday vs. Northwestern.
The Caitlin Clark show arrives here soon. Seeing her won't be cheap.
Iowa superstar Caitlin Clark, the new NCAA women's basketball career scoring leader, faces the Gophers at Williams Arena — and will be back in Minnesota for the Big Ten tournament.
Gophers women's skid continues in loss to last-place Rutgers
Minnesota led by 10 points after the first quarter but ended up falling to a team that had won only one of its previous 15 games.
Chance for Gophers women's basketball to start making up ground
Kent Youngblood's breakdown: The Gophers' losing streak should end at Rutgers, but they need to avoid the one bad quarter that has plagued them in recent games.
Gophers still struggling to find offense in 71-47 loss to Ohio State
Thanks to some tenacious Minnesota defense, it was a five-point game at the half. But the No. 5 Buckeyes took advantage of Gophers turnovers in the second half to run away with their 10th consecutive win.
Game preview: Gophers women aim to end four-game skid vs. red-hot Ohio State
Kent Youngblood's breakdown: It will be difficult for the Gophers to stop their losing skid here. Ohio State is one of the hottest teams in the nation.
Gophers women can't overcome huge halftime deficit in loss to Spartans
A spirited second half rally and a stellar game from Janay Sanders wasn't enough after the Gophers fell behind by 23 points at the half against Michigan State.
Nikolina Milic could miss Lynx season
Milic has injuries that might sideline her, but Cecilia Zandalasini could return to the team.
Gophers women face tall task at Michigan State
Kent Youngblood's breakdown: Winning at the Breslin Center, where the Spartans thrive, will be a huge challenge for the Gophers.
Lynx lose ex-Gophers star Banham to Sun through free agency
Rachel Banham was a popular member of the Lynx during her four seasons with the Lynx, who are bringing back another of their veterans.
By trade and free agency, Lynx add two veteran point guards
The Lynx are in the process of overhauling their roster to prepare for 2024 and the next set of moves is expected to bring change to the front court.
First game minus Braun isn't pretty as Gophers thumped by Penn State
Minnesota had trouble with Penn State's press, missed almost all of its three-pointers and fell victim to defensive breakdowns in the first game without injured star Maya Braun.
Lynx trade Mitchell to Sun for Hiedeman
The exchange of starting guards, with Minnesota swapping Tiffany Mitchell for Natisha Hiedeman, included the Lynx sending a draft pick to Connecticut.
Gophers-Penn State preview: First game without Braun on the floor
Kent Youngblood's breakdown: Penn State is one of the Big Ten's hottest teams and biggest surprises this season, a challenge for a Gophers team without Mara Braun.
Gophers women hope to turn star player's injury into chance to grow
The Gophers women's basketball team faces Penn State on Wednesday in the first game since losing star guard Mara Braun to a foot injury.
U women's basketball star Braun out indefinitely, needs foot surgery
Sophomore Mara Braun ranks fourth in the Big Ten in scoring and has shot 37% from three-point range. She hurt her foot in the second half of Sunday's game at Illinois.
Gophers women lose standout Braun, then game to Illinois
Mara Braun's foot injury came when the Gophers held a seven-point lead early in the fourth quarter. When she couldn't return to the game, the Illini made their comeback.
Gophers women head to Illinois, seeking offensive consistency
Kent Youngblood's breakdown: Illinois has underachieved this season but has a dangerous veteran team. The Gophers, coming off a loss to Wisconsin, will need to be sharp.
Lynx sign free agent center Alanna Smith
The 6-4 native of Australia had her best WNBA season in 2023 with Chicago.
Low-scoring, poor-shooting Badgers knock off U women
Not only in Wisconsin 13th among the 14 Big Ten teams, but the Badgers have the fewest points and the league's worst shooting percentage.
Gophers look for another statement win vs. Badgers
Wisconsin is down and a victory would put Minnesota two games above .500 in the Big Ten for the first time since the 2017-18 season.
Heyer, Gophers put Spartans on ice in 69-50 victory
Following a one-sided loss earlier in the week, the Gophers went on a giant run early and never looked back against Michigan State. Mallory Heyer led the way with 18 points and 15 rebounds.
Gophers women's basketball faces crucial test vs. Michigan State
The Gophers and Spartans are two of five teams tied for fifth place in the Big Ten. Saturday's contest at Williams Arena figures to have major NCAA tournament implications.
Grocholski gives Gophers women's basketball another freshman standout
Wisconsin native Grace Grocholski originally committed to coach Dawn Plitzuweit at West Virginia then followed her to Minnesota, where she's immediately played a crucial role for the Gophers.
When WNBA free agency starts Sunday, will the Lynx be in the mix?
They have needs and money but aren't expected to make huge moves, in part because this isn't a top-notch free-agent class.
Gophers women no match for No. 16 Indiana, former teammate
Hoosiers post Mackenzie Holmes scored 32 points, making all but two of her 17 shots from the field, and former Gophers guard Sara Scalia hit five three-pointers.
Gophers women to face a No. 16 Indiana team coming off a blowout loss
Kent Youngblood's analysis: Indiana has won 51 of its past 52 home games and will be extra motivated after a lopsided loss to Iowa.
Gophers women beat Nebraska 62-58 as other scoring options deliver
Amaya Battle delivered a big three-pointer in the closing seconds in a game when the Gophers' usual top threats struggled with their shot.
Ten months later, Whalen is finally ready to set foot in Williams Arena
Lindsay Whalen said she's taken the past 10 months to decompress after feeling under "constant pressure" as Gophers coach.
Gophers vs. Nebraska: Two women's teams with a combined 24-7 record
Kent Youngblood's analysis: Nebraska will be tough to beat, so a victory would be nice on the resume for a team with NCAA tournament dreams.
Gophers women face another tough test with losing streak already at two
Cutting down on turnovers will be key when the Gophers women's basketball team plays at Michigan on Tuesday.
U women go through toughness training in losing 72-64 to Maryland
Even after losing consecutive games for the first time this season, coach Dawn Plitzuweit says she can see the team's effort. Now it's a matter of getting results from that effort.
Can U women's basketball finally find the formula to beat Maryland?
Kent Youngblood's analysis: This would be a huge victory for Minnesota, but the team will need a big step up defensively compared to the Iowa game.
U women's basketball gets chance for reset after lopsided loss to Iowa
Maryland has dominated Minnesota for years and provides a chance for the Gophers to recalibrate after their eight-game winning streak was snapped in a one-sided loss to Iowa.
Gophers basketball recruit joins team after graduating high school early
McKenna Johnson, ranked by ESPN as the No. 60 recruit in her class, has graduated high school to enroll early at Minnesota.
Clark, No. 4 Iowa overwhelm Gophers women's basketball in 94-71 victory
The Gophers on Saturday got balanced scoring with three players finishing with 13 or more points. But Caitlin Clark's 35 points (and 10 assists) and 19 from Hannah Stuelke proved too much.
Gophers ready to visit Iowa City in the middle of Caitlin Clark mania
The Gophers women's basketball team hasn't won at Carver-Hawkeye Arena since 2007 and knows it will take extreme focus against the nation's No. 4-ranked team and its star.
Gophers women's basketball vs. Iowa: Is there a way to contain Clark?
Kent Youngblood's analysis: The Gophers need to take care of the ball, contain Caitlin Clark and force other Hawkeyes to beat them. History shows that to be a very difficult task.
Thunder storm through Wolves defense to hand Minnesota 129-106 loss
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 34 points for Oklahoma City, which also got 20 points from former Minnehaha Academy standout Chet Holmgren.
Gophers women's basketball throttles struggling Lindenwood
Mara Braun led the Gophers with 21 points as they tuned up for their Dec. 30 game at Iowa with a 100-45 blowout victory.
U women's basketball vs. Lindenwood: A final nonconference tune-up
Kent Youngblood's analysis: Lindenwood is 4-31 since the start of last season, so the Gophers should have little trouble.