Gophers getting defensive this season

The Gophers have put up better statistics defensively across the board this season in nonconference play.

December 28, 2018 at 3:54AM
Head coach Marlene Stollings of Minnesota calls plays from the sideline during the second half.
Former Gophers coach Marlene Stollings last December. (Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

The Gophers women's basketball team has gone from a team that tried to outscore opponents last season to, in Lindsay Whalen's first season as coach, one that tries to stop other teams. Here is a comparison of a few key defensive statistics from last season through 11 games vs. this season so far.

Record — 2017-18: 9-2. 2018-19:11-0.

Points per game allowed— 2017-18: 68.9. 2018-19:53.1.

Opponent FG percentage — 2017-18: 38.9. 2018-19:33.8.

Opponent three-point FG percentage — 2017-18: 35.1.2018-19: 28.2.

Rebounds per game allowed — 2017-18: 38.0.2018-19: 33.5.

Turnovers per game forced — 2017-18: 15.8.2018-19: 18.3.

Steals per game — 2017-18: 7.8.2018-19: 9.1.

Blocks per game — 2017-18: 2.7.2018-19: 3.7.

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