The Gopher women and coach Lindsay Whalen got another stress-free tuneup Wednesday night in Cincinnati, leading Xavier 20-7, 42-20 and 62-32 at the end of 1, 2 and 3 quarters of play. The final score of 78-53? It was not that close.
The Gophers seem to have done everything pretty well except shoot the 3 and protect the ball. Minnesota shot 49 percent from the field--56 percent of 2-pointers, 31 percent of 3s--and 79 percent from the line. The Gophers turned it over 18 times, however, and were outscored 21-14 off of turnovers.
Kenisha Bell made 7-of-10 shots for 18 points and added 4 assists, but turned it over 4 times. Taiye Bello had an incredibly efficient night, making 5-of-7 and adding 16 rebounds. Destiny Pitts had her 2nd straight off-night shooting FG but made 7-of-7 from the line. Jasmine Brunson continued to play well with 13 points, 3 boards, 4 assists and 1 turnover in 29 minutes. Annalese Lamke made 3-of-4 shots for 7 points with 5 boards.
There was good news off the bench. Irene Perez made 2-of-5 3s and 1-of-1 2s for 8 points with 2 boards, an assist and a steal in 24 minutes. And, Palma Kaposi had 6 rebounds to go with 2 points, an assist and a steal in 17 minutes. Freshman Mercedes Staples has still not found her rhythm or her range but played 18 minutes, and is being given every opportunity to show her stuff which, by the way, she will do eventually.
The Gophers and coach Whalen now get 6 straight home games with only Syracuse on Thursday, November 29, a threat. So far, so good, and everybody will have plenty of additional chances to stretch their legs, get into their comfort zone, and just generally do whatever they need to do to get ready for the Big 10 season.
Player of the Day--Taiye Bello 16 pts-11 reb
Team of the Day--Minnesota Gopher women
Coach of the Day--Lindsay Whalen
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