Gophers at a glance: After Thursday's 72-55 loss to No. 17 Purdue, the Gophers (10-8, 2-2 Big Ten) must prove they can recover quickly from a punch to the gut. Coach Pam Borton wants to see improved play inside; the Gophers made just 11 of 37 shots in the paint against Purdue and missed some open layups, which Borton said was "deflating" to her team. Point guard Rachel Banham earned the second double-double of her career Thursday (11 points, 10 rebounds) and continues to lead the Gophers with 14.8 points per game.
U women's gameday: Gophers at Michigan
January 15, 2012 at 6:52AM
Michigan at a glance: The Wolverines (13-4, 2-2) have won six of their past nine games and received votes in both polls last week. Their signature victory came eight days ago, when they handed No. 8 Ohio State its only loss of the season, 73-62 in Ann Arbor. Guard Courtney Boylan of Chaska is Michigan's leading scorer (13.5 points per game), while guard Kate Thompson of Plymouth has blocked a team-high 19 shots. Like Purdue, the Wolverines are built around a fierce defense; they are holding opponents to 56.5 points per game and forcing 17.6 turnovers per game.
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Center Dawson Garcia played despite a groin injury, and starting guard Mike Mitchell Jr. and four others were absent for the Gophers. Among the results: a 14-point first half.
