EVANSTON, Ill. — Grace Grocholski showcased her talents once again, tying her career high with 27 points as the No. 24 Minnesota Golden Gophers pulled off a remarkable comeback, overcoming a 16-point deficit in the fourth quarter to win against Northwestern with a score of 87-82 on Sunday afternoon.
After a strong performance in the third quarter that saw the Wildcats score 25 points, Northwestern held a 69-58 lead and extended it to 14 early in the fourth quarter. However, Minnesota ignited an impressive rally. In the final eight minutes, the Gophers surged ahead with an astonishing 29-8 scoring run, converting seven of their last eight shot attempts along with 14 successful free throws, as Northwestern fouled 10 times during that period.
Grocholski was instrumental in the turnaround, contributing seven points during the comeback and going perfect from the free-throw line, hitting all five of her attempts. Amaya Battle also played a pivotal role, adding 18 points and scoring six of her eight free-throw attempts in the final quarter.
With just 2:15 left on the clock, a three-pointer from Tori McKinney tied the game. Following that shot, Niamya Holloway executed two layups to push Minnesota ahead by four, with Battle sealing the victory by making three of her four free throws in the last minute. The Gophers capped off the game by scoring 10 of the final 12 points.
McKinney finished the game with 13 points, hitting four of her five three-point attempts, while Grocholski not only excelled in scoring but also contributed 10 rebounds, marking her second double-double of the season. Battle rounded out her performance with six rebounds and six assists, helping Minnesota convert an impressive 22 of 26 free throws.
For Northwestern (7-10, 0-6), Grace Sullivan stood out with 18 points and blocked four shots, while Taylor Williams added 11 points and secured 10 rebounds. Both Caileigh Walsh and Kyla Jones contributed significantly with 17 points each.
Minnesota’s impressive start of 17-2 ranks among the best in the school’s history. The last time the Gophers had such a strong beginning was in the 2003-04 season when they advanced to the Final Four.
Looking ahead, Minnesota will host Michigan on Wednesday, while Northwestern prepares for a home game against Illinois on Thursday.
