Without star guard Mara Braun, the Golden Gophers still have the players to compete.
After a forgettable week in California for No. 9 Ohio State women’s basketball, culminating in two losses to No. 1 UCLA and then No. 7 USC, the Buckeyes are back home for four games in Columbus of the remaining six matchups of the regular season. Up first are the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
Last season, the Gophers started the year strong, but lost a star to injury that derailed their season. This season, Minnesota is still without her but under second year Gophers head coach Dawn Plitzuweit, the side from up north is competing in a tough Big Ten.
To answer questions about the Golden Gophers, Land-Grant Holy Land reached out to our friends at The Daily Gopher. Women’s basketball beat writer Andy York talked about how the team is overcoming injuries, playing well on defense and the growth of junior guard Amaya Battle.
That and more in the Visiting Locker Room:
Land-Grant Holy Land: Minnesota is missing standout guard Mara Braun after aggravating a previous foot injury. Last year the Gophers went 1-8 with Braun out, but this season made their way into the top 25 for the first time in five years. How has the team changed its style of play to compensate for her absence this season?
The Daily Gopher: I think they are a more complete team this year. The team is playing better defense than a season ago and is using the experience of not having Braun last year to deal better with it this year. They also have more depth this season. Freshman guard Tori McKinney has stepped in and played a larger role than initially planned but has been up for the challenge.
LGHL: Despite succeeding without Braun, It hasn’t been a Cinderella story of late. Minnesota ran into a tough stretch, losing both games in California like the Buckeyes, then falling to Iowa. How did they bounce back against the Hoosiers on Sunday?
TDG: Their defense was back to the level it needed to be for a full 40 minutes. They had spurts against the California teams but just didn’t have enough depth to sustain it for a full 40 minutes and both USC and UCLA pulled away in the 2nd half. Against Iowa the Gophers were awful offensively and when they needed a few big stops down the stretch it just didn’t happen.
They dominated the paint against the Hoosiers which was key and then shut down their best playmakers on defense. That’s the type of game this team needs to play to win.
LGHL: Junior Amaya Battle is having a strong season and playing particularly well in the last four games. What is she doing well this year and in which areas does coach Plitzuweit want her to grow?
TDG: Her defense has been outstanding. Even when she struggles offensively she is one of the best on ball defenders in the conference. That’s key to trying to get their opponent out of rhythm.
Battle can be a bit of a black hole at times, trying to shoot her way out of a slump. When that happens she needs to revert back to more of a true distribution first point guard rather than a dual threat. She’s a very streaky player, so with that you get both the ups and the downs.
But her leadership has been key in getting this team to gel, which is invaluable.
LGHL: Minnesota is top five in the conference for team defense rating, how do the Gophers defend so well and how have they done against teams that like to run, like the Buckeyes?
TDG: Pure hustle and grit. Coach Plitzuweit stresses defense first and playing time depends on it. If you can’t handle the full level needed on defense both on ball and away from the ball you don’t play.
Minnesota often his year is played more of a bend but don’t break defense. They’re not going to give up a ton of really easy baskets, but if you’re having a good shooting night, you’re probably going to have success against this team. They try and force you to take bad shots, but if the opponent is hitting those shots, there’s not much you can do.
If the Gophers can avoid stupid turnovers, they match up relatively well with the Buckeyes. But if Ohio State can take advantage of turnovers and get some easy layups, the game could get out of hand quickly.
Minnesota has done a good job of staying with highly potent offensive teams like Maryland, USC and UCLA for most of the game, but even just a 10-minute lapse can make all the difference. If Minnesota plays a full 40 minutes, I think I’ll come down right to the end, but if they only play 30 minutes the Buckeyes should be able to pull away with probably a 10 to 15 point victory.