Gophers at a glance: Minnesota (7-3) stopped its two-game losing streak Wednesday night with a 74-51 thumping of Denver to start a five-game homestand. Rachel Banham continued to shine with 21 points to lead the team, but it was a strong performance by Micaella Riche that pleased coach Pam Borton most. Her 19 points and improved play in the post is something Minnesota will need more of down the stretch, especially when Big Ten play ramps up next month. The Gophers had just 10 turnovers on Wednesday, something they needed to shore up from last year. Look for freshman guard Shayne Mullaney to get more opportunities to handle the ball while moving Banham to the wing.
UMKC at a glance: The Kangaroos (4-5) managed a 1-1 split in last weekend's Air Force Classic, with a 68-66 victory over the host school and 71-64 loss to Boise State. Senior forward Kim Nezianya leads Kansas City with 15.1 points per contest, but she did not play last weekend. Junior guard Eilise O'Connor is averaging 14.6 points per game and is shooting 52.4 percent from three-point range. UMKC was ranked No. 2 in the Summit League's preseason poll behind South Dakota State.
AARON PAITICH
