Gophers Women’s Basketball Set to Face Rutgers: Game Preview and Analysis
Tonight, at 6 p.m., the Gophers Women’s Basketball team takes on Rutgers at Jersey Mike’s Arena, with the game broadcasted on BTN and 96.7-FM.
The Gophers, with a current record of 14-9 overall and 4-8 in the Big Ten, are facing a challenging period having lost five consecutive games, three of which were by an average margin of 17 points, since Mara Braun, their leading scorer, sustained an injury. In contrast, Rutgers stands at 7-19 overall and 1-12 in the Big Ten, securing their sole conference victory against Nebraska on February 3rd. With Rutgers placed at the bottom of the Big Ten standings, this game presents an opportunity for the Gophers, currently tied for 10th place, to halt their losing streak and secure a crucial win. Moreover, it initiates a series of matchups against teams positioned similarly or lower in the standings, offering the Gophers a chance to climb up the rankings. Notably, the Gophers have only won one of their last four encounters with Rutgers.
Key player to watch for the Gophers is Janay Sanders, who has been in impressive form since joining the starting lineup following Braun’s injury, boasting a shooting percentage of 60.6% and averaging 17.3 points per game. In their recent loss to Ohio State, Sanders was the lone Gopher to reach double figures. Mallory Heyer, the team’s forward, has also been noteworthy, ranking fourth in the Big Ten for rebounding and maintaining an average of 8.2 points over the last five games. Meanwhile, Rutgers has been missing their leading scorer, Kaylene Smikle, since December 30th, with Destiny Adams stepping up in her absence, averaging 15.0 points and 7.2 rebounds per game.
The forecast suggests a favorable outcome for the Gophers, given Rutgers’ struggling performance this season. However, the Gophers must remain vigilant and avoid lapses, particularly as they’ve been plagued by poor quarters in recent games. With the regular season entering its final phase, the upcoming games provide an opportunity for the Gophers to reassert themselves in the Big Ten standings and regain relevance in the conference.
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