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WBIT: Gophers Beat Belmont To Win Championship
Apr
Gophers Win WBIT Championship: 75-63 Victory Over Belmont
McKinney and Heyer Lead the Gophers to Victory
The Minnesota Gophers secured a 75-63 victory over Belmont to win the Women’s Basketball Invitational Tournament (WBIT) championship on April 2, 2025, at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Tori McKinney set a career-high with 26 points, while Mallory Heyer added 18 points and 16 rebounds, playing key roles in the Gophers’ success.
A Meaningful Victory After Missing NCAA Tournament
For the Gophers, this victory was especially significant after missing out on the NCAA tournament. Despite the disappointment, the team has performed well in postseason play, going 9-1 in their last ten postseason games. McKinney reflected on the win, saying, “This is a big step. It shows how much we’ve grown and motivates us to do even better next year.”
Gophers’ Journey to the Championship Title
The Gophers ended the season with five straight tournament wins, earning their second postseason trophy, their first since 2012. Despite the absence of key players such as Mara Braun (foot) and Taylor Woodson (knee) for much of the season, Minnesota was able to achieve this milestone.
Heyer, looking ahead, stated, “We’re going to carry this momentum into next season and keep moving forward.”
McKinney’s Dominant First Half Performance
McKinney came out strong, scoring 19 points in the first half, which helped Minnesota take a 37-23 lead into halftime. Amaya Battle also contributed with 17 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Jailyn Banks led Belmont with 17 points.
Belmont’s Late Surge and Minnesota’s Response
With just 1:56 left in the game, Heyer’s layup pushed the Gophers’ lead to 71-58, holding off Belmont’s late charge. The Bruins trimmed the lead to single digits, but Minnesota sealed the victory with crucial free throws in the final moments of the game.
Strong Start: Gophers Build Early Lead
Minnesota came out of the gate strong, taking a 14-3 lead, capped by a 3-pointer from Heyer in the final minute of the first quarter. The Gophers extended their lead to as much as 16 points before halftime. However, turnovers late in the second quarter allowed Belmont to score five points off mistakes, keeping the game competitive.
Defensive Adjustments and Balanced Contributions in the Second Half
Minnesota’s defense stepped up in the second half, limiting Belmont to just one field goal in the first 4:20 of the third quarter. McKinney’s layup extended the Gophers’ lead to 50-26. Grace Grocholski, who had been scoreless in the first half, finished with six points, three rebounds, and eight assists while playing all 40 minutes.
Looking Toward the Future: Building Momentum
Coach Dawn Plitzuweit emphasized the importance of this win, saying, “It’s a great achievement for our players. Our goal is to make the NCAA tournament, and this victory gives us momentum to continue growing.”
As the Gophers celebrate their championship, they are already focused on the upcoming season, hoping to secure a spot in the NCAA tournament.
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