Minnesota Stuns Ole Miss, Reaches Sweet 16!

Minnesota Stuns Ole Miss, Reaches Sweet 16!

The Minnesota Golden Gophers are dancing into the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2005! In a thrilling NCAA Tournament Round of 32 game, Minnesota pulled off a stunning upset against Ole Miss, winning by a close margin. The Golden Gophers showed incredible grit and timely scoring to secure their spot in the next round, leaving the Rebels to ponder what could have been.

Gophers Show Early Fire

From the opening tip, Minnesota came out with a clear game plan. They looked to work the ball around, playing an assist-minded game, and finding ways to attack the interior against Ole Miss’s Sophie Hart. Early on, McKenna was a key player, scoring four points and helping Minnesota take their first lead of the game. The Golden Gophers’ offense looked sharp, with players like Cheni hitting nothing but net on a nice shot. They were also able to get scoring from McKenna driving to the basket, showing they could score both inside and out.

Battle Leads the Charge

Destiny Battle was a force for Minnesota, picking up right where she left off from the first round. She led her team in scoring in their previous game and continued to be a consistent threat. Battle, standing at 5’11”, has the versatility to play inside and out, able to post up or use her skills to score from anywhere on the court. Minnesota’s physicality was on full display as they matched up against Ole Miss, who had faced similar teams in the Big Ten conference. Players like Awala contributed with layups, showing her ability to create her own shot when needed.

Minnesota’s Defense and Depth Shine

The Golden Gophers’ depth was also a major factor. Riley Glenn came off the bench and made an immediate impact, providing intense defensive pressure. She showed her versatility by guarding multiple players, from the opposing point guard Denim Shields to Ole Miss’s interior threat Latasha Latimore. Tiana Thompson, known for her three-point shooting, also hit a crucial three-pointer early on, helping to keep the Rebels within striking distance. Minnesota’s ability to find open teammates and capitalize on opportunities, like a nice baseline jumper from De Shields, kept them in control.

Ole Miss Fights Back, But Gophers Respond

Despite Minnesota’s strong start, Ole Miss showed why they were a formidable opponent. Cody McMahon was a key player for the Rebels, hitting a big three-pointer and connecting with Sophie Hart for easy baskets. The Rebels’ defense was relentless at times, forcing turnovers and converting them into points. They went on a significant run, even tying the game up at one point. McMahon and Iwala formed a strong duo for Ole Miss, with McMahon playing a significant role in the first half. However, Minnesota always seemed to have an answer, whether it was Battle driving to the basket or timely shots from other players.

Braun’s Big Shots Ignite the Crowd

Mara Braun was a standout performer for the Golden Gophers, especially from beyond the arc. She hit multiple three-pointers, electrifying the crowd and extending Minnesota’s lead. Her ability to hit shots when given space, often after broken defensive plays by Ole Miss, proved to be a critical part of Minnesota’s success. Braun’s confident shooting from downtown was a key weapon that Ole Miss struggled to contain throughout the game.

Clutch Finish Secures Sweet 16 Berth

As the game entered its final minutes, the tension was palpable. Both teams traded baskets, with players like Grace Holski hitting crucial threes for Minnesota. Cheetah also showed her composure, working towards a potential triple-double. In the closing seconds, with the game on the line and Minnesota holding a slim lead after stopping a 7-0 run by Ole Miss, Destiny Battle hit a clutch shot. Ole Miss had one last chance, but Tiana Thompson’s attempt at the buzzer did not fall. The Minnesota Golden Gophers erupted in celebration, having secured their place in the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16 for the first time in nearly two decades.

Looking Ahead

For Minnesota, this victory is a massive achievement, proving they can compete with top-tier programs. They have shown resilience, clutch performance, and a balanced offensive attack. Their journey to the Sweet 16 will undoubtedly give them confidence as they prepare for their next challenge. Ole Miss, despite the heartbreaking loss, showed flashes of brilliance and the potential to be a strong program in the future. They will look to regroup and build upon their tournament experience for next season.

Source: Round of 32: Ole Miss Rebels vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers | Full Game Highlights | NCAA Tournament (YouTube)