Gophers on edge of women's basketball Top 25, 'in' tournament field

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - The University of Minnesota women’s basketball team is on the brink of cracking the Associated Press Top 25 poll, and appear to be a tournament-bound team according to national experts.

The Gophers picked up two wins against ranked opponents in the past week, including a 93-74 statement win over No. 10 Maryland on Sunday.

“Upending No. 10 Maryland on Sunday for a signature win to finally move it to the right side of the bubble,” wrote ESPN in the release of Charlie Creme's latest projected field of 64.

It was a big week at The Barn for the Gophers. On Valentine’s Day, Minnesota beat No. 23 Michigan 93-87 behind 26 points from senior Carlie Wagner. Freshman phenom Destiny Pitts had her sixth double-double of the season with 10 points and 12 rebounds. The victory gave the Gophers their 20th win of the season and their second win over a ranked opponent on the season.

Sunday, the Gophers put the college basketball world on notice with a 93-74 win over No. 10 Maryland. Sophomore Gadiva Hubbard led all scorers with 22 points. Junior Kenisha Bell had 21 points and Destiny Pitts added 20 points and nine rebounds. Pitts made six three-pointers and holds the Gopher freshman record with 73 this year.

The Gophers surged to No. 26 in the latest AP poll and could finish the season in the Top 25 with a Senior Night win over Indiana on Tuesday and a season finale win over Illinois next Sunday.