The Gophers men’s basketball team traveled east to Blacksburg, Virginia, to take on the Virginia Tech Hokies in the annual Big Ten/ACC Challenge Monday night.

Minnesota opened the game shooting six of twelve from the field, with five different players scoring. The Gophers led 13-11 at the 12:07 mark in the first half, but a three-point shot from Grant Basile would give the lead to the Hokies.

Pharrel Payne led the Gophers back to tie the game at 22, but the Hokies responded immediately by going on a 13-0 run, ultimately taking a 39-27 lead into halftime.

The second half opened with Gophers star forward Jamison Battle sinking a deep three-pointer for his first points of the game. Once again, the Hokies responded with a 15-6 run to give themselves a commanding 18-point lead over the Gophers with just under 12 minutes remaining.

Minnesota’s younger players got some experience; four true freshmen closed out the game strong with a 14-4 run. It was too little too late though and the Gophers ended up falling short by 10 points with a final score of 67-57.

The rebounding margin had a major impact on Monday’s result. Minnesota was outrebounded by Virginia Tech 42-27. The Hokies tied their season high for rebounds attained.

Minnesota, on the other hand, held a 27-15 advantage in bench points and had seven steals compared to just two for the Hokies. Freshman big man Payne and Ta’Lon Cooper led the Gophers, both with 13 points.

Monday’s loss to Virginia Tech is a second straight defeat for the Gophers as they now move to 4-3 on the season.

Minnesota is set to open Big Ten play on Sunday in West Lafayette, Indianna, against No. 5 ranked Purdue.

During Sunday’s annual NCAA volleyball tournament selection show, the Gophers received an at-large bid to this year’s tournament to participate in the NCAA volleyball tournament. They earned the No. 2 seed in the Texas region and No. 8 overall

“It’s every girl’s dream to compete in the NCAA Tournament and have a shot at a national championship,” senior CC McGraw said. “We’re really excited to have a chance to play at home for two more games in front of our fans. We’re trying to peak in December and keep our momentum going into the tournament.”

The 2022 season will be the 27th year Minnesota has advanced to the national tournament. It marks the eighth straight season and tenth out of the last 11 seasons that they have advanced to postseason play under head coach Hugh McCutcheon.

Maturi Pavilion will serve as the host venue for the first two rounds of games of the Gophers’ pod.

Florida State will compete against Northern Iowa in the first match on Friday, followed by the Gophers facing Southeastern Louisiana at 7:00 p.m. The winner of each match will advance to the second round, which is set for Saturday at 7:00 p.m.

“I think certainly our body of work in the home stretch is something we’re really proud of,” McCutcheon said. “One thing with the NCAA Tournament, we have to take it one game at a time. There’s a lot of noise around it, but we’re trying to take it one point at a time.”

If the Gophers advance out of the second round, they will travel to Austin, Texas, for the NCAA Regionals, which will take place from Dec. 8-10.

Nov. 21 vs. California Baptist

The Gophers bested the Lancers 62-61 in their first ever match against the California Baptist Star Lancers on Monday.

The Gophers received some reinforcements, as preseason All Big-Ten select Jamison Battle made his season debut after missing the early portion of the season recovering from foot surgery.

Minnesota started the game with an impressive 15-0 run, forcing California Baptist to miss its first nine field goal attempts of the game.

The Gophers never once trailed in regulation, but Cal Baptist did not go away. Star Lancers guard Taran Armstrong took over the game in the second half, scoring all 24 of his points, coming back from a 13-point deficit and forcing an overtime period.

In a thrilling finish, Gophers forward Dawson Garcia hit a 5-foot lefty runner in the lane with 6.8 seconds remaining to fend off a late rally, resulting in a 62-61 overtime win.

True freshman Pharrel Payne proved himself as a force to be reckoned with in game one, recording his first career double-double with team high totals of fifteen points and thirteen rebounds.

Minnesota outrebounded the Lancers 40-35, including nine offensive rebounds and a 10-3 edge in second-chance points.

With the 62-61 win, Minnesota clinched a place in the SoCal Challenge championship game. The Gophers would face a challenging non-conference test Wednesday night when they competed against the winner of the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) and Southern Illinois game.

Nov. 23 vs. UNLV

After UNLV got past Southern Illinois, they moved on to compete against the Gophers in the SoCal Challenge final game.

Minnesota struggled out of the gate, falling behind 10-3 and making only one of its first eight field goals.

The Gophers responded with a 9-3 run, cutting the deficit to one at 16-15. A few moments later a three-point play by Battle gave Minnesota its first lead of the night at 20-19 with 7:47 left to go in the first half.

The Runnin’ Rebels answered, outscoring the Gophers 19-4 to take a strong 38-24 lead at the end of the first half.

The second half opened up wth Battle draining a three and Garcia throwing up a layup to get the first point of the half on the board for Minnesota. UNLV’s lead was cut to 38-29.

The Runnin’ Rebels responded once again with an impressive 16-5 run, opening the game up at 54-34.

During the final 6:42 of the game, Minnesota outscored UNLV 19-7 to cut the deficit to nine, but it was not enough time to walk away with the win. UNLV ultimately came away with the win 71-62.

Minnesota’s next game will be Monday at 6 p.m. in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia, in a tough road matchup.

Nov. 25 vs. Ohio State

Minnesota started the game against Ohio State by scoring five of the first seven points to take an early 5-2 lead. The Buckeyes responded with plays putting them up 14-11, just before Taylor Landfair threw down a kill to tie it back up at 14. Ohio State controlled much of the first set and eventually closed it out with a 25-20 win.

Both teams split the first six points to start set two just before the Buckeyes took a 6-3 lead. Kills from Jenna Wenaas and Carter Booth capped off an 8-1 Gophers run and brought the score to 14-10 for Minnesota. They extended their lead to 23-17 and went on to win set two 25-21.

Much like set two, both teams split the first eight points of the third set and Ohio State took an early lead at 7-5. Kills and a block from Booth and Landfair helped bring Minnesota’s deficit to 12-11. A kill from Mckenna Wucherer gave the Gophers their first lead of the set, and Wenaas closed it out at 25-21, forcing a fourth set.

Minnesota jumped out to a 7-4 lead in the fourth set, but Ohio State fought back with plays to take a 14-12 lead, forcing a Minnesota timeout. Following the timeout, Minnesota went on a 4-0 point run to take a 16-14 lead.

Ohio State tied it up at 18, but kills from Wenaas and Wucherer put the Gophers up 20-18. The game was eventually tied up again at 24, but a Buckeye attack error and Booth kill ended the match in a Minnesota victory of 26-24.

The No. 9 ranked Gophers knocked off the No. 8 ranked Buckeyes. CC McGraw hit 20 digs putting her career total at 1,873 digs, which tops Dalianliz Rosado (1,870) for the No. 3 spot in program history. The No. 2 spot is held by Christine Tan with 1,927 digs.

Nov. 26 vs. Nebraska

After a win in Columbus, Ohio, the Gophers traveled to Lincoln, Nebraska, hungry for another victory in their final regular season game.

The Nebraska Cornhuskers came out hot in set one scoring five of the first seven points. They led by as much as 17-10, but Minnesota fought back with Wenaas, Landfair and Arica Davis each throwing down kills to bring the score to 19-14 and then finally bringing their deficit within one point. Minnesota scored the next four points, bringing it to set point, and a Nebraska service error sealed the first set for Minnesota 25-22.

Both teams split the first 14 points of set two before a Cornhuskers kill and Minnesota error put Nebraska up 9-7. The Gophers immediately responded scoring five straight points to take a 12-9 lead. After two straight blocks from Booth, Minnesota took a 23-19 lead and ultimately came out on top 25-23 following another Nebraska service error.

Minnesota started the third set on fire, scoring six of the first eight points. The Cornhuskers were not about to let Minnesota run away and immediately responded by scoring eight of the next nine points to lead 10-7.

Nebraska built on its lead pulling ahead 14-8, but Minnesota was able to tie the match up at 17. A kill from Booth and two Cornhuskers attacking errors put the Gophers ahead 20-17. The Gophers were able to finish the set and match after Wucherer’s kill sealed it for them 25-22.

The No. 9 ranked Gophers swept the No. 5 ranked Huskers for the first time since 1980, and Minnesota finished its season 20-8 and 15-5 in Big Ten play. Taylor Landfair tallied her 26th 10+ kill match of the year, a Big Ten best.

Nov. 18 vs. Penn State

The Gophers had an early 5-3 lead over Penn State in the first set, but the Nittany Lions responded with a 4-1 scoring run. Penn State built on this lead to put the score at 17-15, forcing a timeout from Gophers head coach Hugh McCutcheon.

Following the timeout, Penn State capped off their 9-2 run at 21-17, ultimately winning the set 25-18.

The two teams went back and forth in the early portion of set two, exchanging the first 14 points. The Nittany Lions broke away on a 3-0 run and extended their lead to 15-11 heading into a media timeout. The Gophers couldn’t seem to find any rhythm, dropping the second set 18-25.

Much like set two, neither team led by more than one point to start the third set, but Minnesota finally took a two-point lead at 11-9 following a Penn State service error and a pivotal kill from Carter Booth. After a media timeout, Minnesota’s lead grew to 17-11.

Penn State cut the lead to four after a 4-0 run, but freshman Mckenna Wucherer ended the run with an important kill, bringing the score to 23-17. Minnesota took set three 25-20, forcing a fourth set.

Penn State had the early lead in the fourth set scoring six of the first nine points. The two teams went back and forth on the scoreboard just before Penn State went up 15-12 heading into a media timeout. The Gophers were trailing 22-18 later in the set, but a 4-0 run tied the game at 22.

Penn State went up 24-23 just before Taylor Landfair threw down a kill to tie the game for the Gophers. Penn State ultimately prevailed, winning the set 27-25 and the match 3-1.

Minnesota’s record changed to 12-5 in Big Ten play and 17-8 overall. Wucherer returned to the lineup after a four-game absence and threw down nine kills. Melani Shaffmaster posted her 13th double-double of the season with 40 assists and 10 digs.

Nov. 20 vs. Rutgers

The Gophers looked to get back on track in New Jersey, taking on the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers University.

Minnesota started strong, scoring six of the first nine points. They were able to expand on the early lead putting the score at 11-5. A 7-2 point run for the Gophers gave them control of the set and ultimately led to a 25-11 win.

The Gophers started the second set with two kills from Landfair and a Jenna Wenaas ace, resulting in a 6-3 lead. Minnesota’s momentum continued, the score going up to 10-5 and forcing a Rutgers timeout.

The Scarlet Knights put up a bit of a fight, cutting their deficit to 17-13, but Minnesota quickly regained control and outscored Rutgers in set two 25-19.

Unlike the first two, Rutgers got out in front early scoring three of the first five points in the third set. Kills from Arica Davis, Wenaas and Wucherer helped the Gophers take the lead at 7-5, but Rutgers immediately responded and tied the game at nine.

Minnesota eventually led 15-14, and the two teams would go back and forth until Rutgers took the lead at 22-19 late in set three. Minnesota tied it up at 23 after a solo block from Booth and a Shaffmaster kill.

The Scarlet Knights had the chance to win the set at 24-23, but the Gophers scored three straight to end it 26-24, winning the set and match.

Booth led the Gophers with eight kills and five blocks, while Davis hit a season high of eight blocks.

The Gophers will head into their final weekend of regular season gameplay where they will take on the No. 5 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes and No. 6 ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Nov. 7 vs. Western Illinois

The Gophers opened their season against the Western Illinois Leathernecks at Williams Arena last week. The last time these two teams met was 1997 when the Gophers won 88-52 in Minneapolis.

The game started with two free throws from sophomore Alanna Micheaux. Minnesota, however, trailed 5-2 midway through the first quarter, just before freshman Mara Braun would spice things up for the Gophers, scoring nine points in the span of less than four minutes.

The first half was largely owned by Braun, Katie Borowicz and Micheaux. Braun had 11 points, six rebounds and three steals; Borowicz had eight points; and Micheaux had eight boards and six points. Minnesota led at the half 38-15.

Throughout the game, it was clear Borowicz was in the zone. Despite missing her first three-point attempt, she was 2-2 in the second and third quarters.

Monday was Borowicz’s first official game in 600 days. She missed the entirety of last season due to an injury but managed to hit a career high of 16 points.

She wasn’t the only one to set a career high. Micheaux had a double-double with 14 points and a career high of 13 rebounds.

True freshmen Mallory Heyer and Amaya Battle also contributed to the Gophers’ 54-37 rebounding advantage, with both earning eight boards.

Braun put up 21 points, which is the third most points for a freshman in their collegiate debut. The Gophers’ freshmen combined to score 35 of the 75 points for Minnesota.

All of the efforts put out on the court Monday culminated in a 75-45 win for the Maroon & Gold over Western Illinois.

Nov. 13 vs. Lehigh

Minnesota played host to Lehigh University of the Patriot League on Sunday.

The game started with the Gophers recording the first four points, but Lehigh stayed with them and took a 17-10 lead at the time of the first media timeout.

The Gophers stayed aggressive, as Michaeux had a 7-2 scoring run late in the first quarter. After one period of play, the Gophers lagged 25-20.

Freshman Maggie Czinano’s and Braun’s jump shots helped to give the Gophers the lead at 32-31. Braun scored eight points in the second quarter, including two three-point shots.

The Mountain Hawks were able to retake their lead after sophomore Meghan O’Brien made a pivotal layup

Heading into the half, the Gophers were still behind 42-39 but cut their deficit to three.

Braun continued to prove herself as a menace on the court, scoring 14 points to give the Gophers the lead again at 56-54. Lehigh responded with a 10-5 scoring run of their own to lead 75-69 in the final 10 minutes of play.

The Gophers had been trailing most of the game, but the fourth quarter had two teams going back and forth in a very exciting final quarter of play. There were five lead changes in the final minute.

In a tense moment, Czinano grabbed an offensive rebound and was fouled with 17 seconds left to play. She made one of two free throws, and the Gophers trailed by one.

With 1.7 seconds left to play, Minnesota put the ball in Battle’s hands, where she passed it to the near side wing to Braun.

It was at this moment when Braun hit a game-winning buzzer beater that left Williams Arena in shock as jaws dropped and celebrations began. Minnesota survived 101-99.

“At first, I thought it was actually going to hit the inside of the rim,” Braun said. “Then all of a sudden, I turn and everyone is just rushing at me and the place was just loud. It was a really cool feeling.”

That shot will be an unforgettable moment for Braun. She is quickly proving herself to be a valuable asset to the team. The Gophers will travel to Fargo, North Dakota, next to take on the North Dakota State Bison on Thursday.

Nov. 11 vs. Maryland

Minnesota dominated early in the first set scoring nine of the first 12 points. Maryland responded, cutting the lead to 10-5, but two kills from Jenna Wenaas and a Maryland attack error made it 13-5 with the Gophers ahead. Maryland came within six at 14-8, just before Minnesota went on an 11-4 scoring run to win the first set 25-12.

The Gophers’ momentum did not stop in the first set. They scored six of the first eight points to go up 6-2 in set number two. Maryland was able to cut the lead to 11-9, but Minnesota retaliated and did not let the score get any closer. It scored six of the next eight points to go up 17-11. Taylor Landfair was able to end the set for Minnesota 25-13.

Much like the first two sets, Minnesota took an early lead scoring five of the first seven points in the third, and even took a 9-3 lead just before a Maryland timeout.

Following the time out, Gophers senior Rachel Kilkelly hit her fourth ace of the night, a season-high mark that put the Gophers up 16-7. Minnesota closed out the set 25-16 and earned the sweep.

Minnesota is now 15-0 all-time against Maryland. Melani Shaffmaster posted 30 assists and 16 digs and now leads the Big Ten with her 12th double-double this season.

Nov. 13 vs. Indiana

In their second home game of the week, the Gophers dominated Indiana early in the first set, scoring the first five points of the game. The Gophers went on a 7-0 scoring run to take a commanding 14-6 lead.

Indiana answered, tying the game at 17 just before two attack errors made it 19-17 in favor of Minnesota. The Gophers managed to run away 25-22 to take set one.

Minnesota started out on fire again scoring 10 of the first 15 points in set two. After a brief Hoosier’s timeout, Kilkelly threw down an ace, and Carter Booth and Wenaas posted kills to help bring the Gophers up 15-6. The Gophers managed to take a commanding 22-8 lead and eventually won set two 25-9.

The Gophers and Hoosiers split the first six points of set three, just before Minnesota took off with a lead of 7-3. Minnesota went up 10-4, but IU scored three more to cut into the lead.

At this point, Minnesota was unstoppable, going on a 7-1 point run to go up 17-8. Tjey closed out the set 25-15 to complete their second sweep of the weekend.

Minnesota is now 61-16 all-time against Indiana. The Gophers held Indiana to just .031 hitting, a season-worst for a Minnesota opponent, topping Friday’s .043 hitting by Maryland. Sophomore Landfair broke her streak of 23 consecutive matches with double digit kills.

The Gophers will now travel to University Park, Pennsylvania, on Friday to play the No. 16 ranked Penn State Nittany Lions.

Men’s basketball head coach Ben Johnson said he hopes to see forward Jamison Battle, who underwent minor foot surgery before the season’s start, able to play with the team again soon.

“When we did our homework and realized the severity was pretty minimal as far as surgeries and injuries go, it just kind of made sense to do it now and get it out the way,” Johnson said Tuesday. “I know he feels pretty good about it. We’ll be excited to welcome him back sooner than later, hopefully.”

Johnson did not say how long it will take until Battle starts playing again, only that he will be sidelined to start the season.

The Gophers have several fresh faces this year with five freshmen and three transfers. With the absence of Battle at the start of the season, it will be critical for Minnesota to adapt quickly and fill the void left by his absence.

Transfer forward Dawson Garcia has the experience to fill the void after a season each at Marquette and North Carolina. The 6-foot-11 forward will be the number one option to step up.

The Gophers won their exhibition game against St. Olaf 71-55 and their season opener against Western Michigan 61-60. Their next game is on Friday against St. Francis Brooklyn.

Nov. 4 vs. Michigan

The No. 9 ranked Golden Gophers played host to the Michigan Wolverines this past Friday. It was the second matchup between the teams this season; Michigan got swept on their home court earlier in the season.

Set one started with both teams going back and forth until the Wolverines took a lead at 12-9. The Gophers, however, responded with a 6-1 point run. Minnesota was able to maintain its momentum after a kill from Taylor Landfair and two more from Carter Booth, grabbing a 19-14 lead. Landfair sealed the set for Minnesota after a kill resulted in a 25-21 victory.

Much like set one, Minnesota and Michigan split the first eight points. Minnesota answered with a 5-1 run to give it a more predominant lead at 9-5. Michigan answered with an 8-1 run of its own, cutting the Gophers’ lead to 17-16.

Two Michigan errors and a Landfair kill had put the Gophers up 20-17. Carter Booth’s kills finished the set for Minnesota 25-20.

Unlike the first two sets, Michigan came out on fire in set three. The Gophers managed to score six of the next seven points to take the lead. The Wolverines scored the next three points to retake the lead at 9-7 after kills from Jess Mruzik, Jacque Boney and a combined team block.

Four straight kills from Minnesota’s Taylor Landfair helped grab a 15-14 lead. Both teams continued to go back and forth until the score reached 20-20, when a Michigan error and a Landfair kill gave the Gophers a two point lead at 22-20. The Gophers were able to run away with the lead after a Booth kill, winning the set and match with a final set score of 25-22.

Minnesota is now 61-16 all time against Michigan, winning 12 of the last 14 in the series. Redshirt sophomore Landfair, who attained double digit kills for the 21st time this season, led the Gophers. This is her fourth match this season with 20+ kills and the sixth of her career.

Nov. 6 vs. Illinois

Sunday, the Gophers hit the road for a matchup against the Fighting Illini in Urbana-Champaign.

After Illinois scored the first point, Minnesota answered, scoring eight of the next nine to take an early 8-2 lead. After Illinois cut the lead to 14-9, an Arica Davis kill and Illinois attack error put Minnesota up 21-13, and Minnesota won the set 25-15.

Illinois started out with a steady lead going into set two, scoring nine of the first 14 points. Minnesota cut the lead to one by scoring five of the next seven, but Illinois fought back to put the score at 16-11 and closed the set strong with a 25-16 lead.

Much like set two, Illinois came out on fire scoring five of the first seven points in the third set. The Gophers took their first lead of the set at 12-11 after a kill from Booth. Minnesota’s momentum continued, going on a 9-2 run.

A kill from Jenna Wenaas and an ace from Landfair led Minnesota to close the set at 25-19.

Minnesota had the early lead this time to start set four, scoring eight of the first eleven points. Illinois responded immediately with a five-point run to tie the game at eight. A Landfair kill helped to bring Minnesota up 20-16, but Illinois did not go away, and after a pivotal Minnesota error, the Fighting Illini won set four 25-23 and forced a fifth and final set.

Set five saw both teams exchange the first six points. A Gophers’ service error put the Fighting Illini up 5-3. After exchanging runs, Illinois came within one at 14-13, but Minnesota’s Wenaas closed out the set at15-13 after a game-winning kill.

Minnesota is now 44-40-1 all-time against Illinois. Graduate student CC McGraw threw down 13 digs, making it her 98th career 10+ dig outing. She now has 1,809 career digs and is the fourth Gopher to make over 1,800 career digs.

The Gophers will play host to Maryland on Friday at 6:30 p.m.

The No. 9 ranked Gophers volleyball team has had quite the season this year. Some notable achievements include a September sweep against the defending NCAA champions, Wisconsin, and the now 50-game win streak against Iowa.

There is no denying the team is performing at an exceptional level this season. The Gophers are competing in a loaded conference with No. 6 Ohio State, No. 4 Nebraska and No. 3 Wisconsin. The Gophers are setting themselves up with great preparation before the postseason.

“It’s a particularly gnarly iteration, good athletes, good coaches and great crowds, so it makes it tough to be a competing team in the Big Ten,” said Head Coach Hugh McCutcheon.

The team’s efforts, however, would not be possible without the stand-out playing of individual players. Sophomore Taylor Landfair substantially leads the team with 324 kills while Jenna Wenaas’ 174 kills put her in second. Landfair is currently one of two players in the country to hit double digits in kills in every game this season.

Graduate student CC McGraw has also proven herself to be a valuable asset to the team. With 1,779 career digs, she is currently fourth for most digs in Gopher volleyball history. She is 91 short of third place, which is currently held by Dalianliz Rosado.

“The thing that is most noteworthy is the whole team’s commitment to improvement. We understand some individuals have garnered some recognition,” McCutcheon said. “But those are more ‘we’ awards than they are ‘me’ awards. It’s a reflection of our team’s performance.”

The team battled on the road against Wisconsin last week. Despite losing in four sets, teams are sometimes able to grow most from loss.

“We were able to make some changes and it paid off,” McCutcheon said. “The idea that we can play to this roster with the depth and talent that we have and put different lineups and get different outcomes is encouraging.”

The Golden Gophers will take on the Michigan Wolverines on Friday at Maturi Pavillion. The game will be broadcast on Big10+ at 6:30 p.m.

“I think we were firing on all cylinders, we had good serving, good passing, I think defensively we were doing well,” outside hitter Wennas said when talking about the Gophers’ early season matchup with Michigan. “Everything was working for us, so hopefully we can do that again on Friday.”