A pair of athletes who made it back home made the difference for the Gophers women’s basketball team Sunday.
Taylor Woodson and Annika Stewart each scored 18 points to help the Gophers rally for a 65-56 victory over Southern Methodist in the Briann January Classic in Tempe, Ariz.
Woodson is a Hopkins graduate who began her college career with a season at Michigan before transferring to the Gophers in April. Stewart is a Wayzata graduate who transferred from Nebraska to play her final college season with the Gophers.
The Gophers, who defeated Oregon State 73-38 on Saturday, outscored the Mustangs 23-12 in the fourth quarter as they improved to 5-0.
The Gophers opened the fourth quarter with a 6-0 run — four points from Woodson — and took a 48-44 lead with 9 minutes, 14 seconds remaining.
Stewart hit a three-pointer to give the Gophers a 51-46 lead with 7:10 to play. The Mustangs didn’t get any closer.
Woodson scored six points and Stewart scored five in the fourth quarter.