Gophers Close Out Non-Conference Play With a Win

Minneapolis, MN (Gophersports.com) -- Minnesota (8-3) closed its non-conference schedule with an 83-50 victory against NJIT (3-9) on Monday night. Four Gophers scored in double figures and Minnesota tallied a season-high 14 steals.

The Maroon and Gold turned the Highlanders' 20 turnovers into 39 points. The Gophers turned the ball over only eight times. Minnesota also held a 20-4 mark in fast break points, and a 60-39 rebounding advantage.

Rachel Banham led all scorers with 22 points and added eight rebounds, five assists and four steals. She has reached the 20-point threshold in 10 of 11 games this year.
Like Banham, Mikayla Bailey made three 3-pointers. She finished the contest with 14 points and seven rebounds.

Shayne Mullaney turned in a well-rounded game with 10 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and four steals. Carlie Wagner added 12 points, six rebounds and four steals.

The Gophers will open Big Ten play Dec. 31 at Rutgers with noon CT start time. Their first conference home game will be Jan. 3 against Penn State beginning at 2 p.m.