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Gopher women beat Pacific in second round of NIT

Sophomore shooting sensation Mara Braun returned to action Tuesday evening following injury, scoring 12 points.

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota women’s basketball team beat Pacific 77-62 in the second round of the women’s NIT Tuesday night.

After missing the previous 11 games due to suffering broken bone in her foot during a loss at Illinois on Jan. 28, Minnesota sophomore shooting sensation Mara Braun returned to action Tuesday evening. The Gophers' leading scorer was one of four in double figures, scoring 12 points in her return.

Sophie Hart led the way with a team-high 14 points as Minnesota (17-15) also received a huge lift from its bench, with reserves chipping in 26 points. 

Mallory Heyer added 11 points and six rebounds as Minnesota never trailed in the win. Guard Amaya Battle chipped in with six assists as the Gophers used ball movement to generate open shots. Freshman Grace Grocholski had five assists. Defensive pressure helped generate 22 Pacific turnovers. 

With the win, the Gophers advance to the NIT Round of 16, hosting North Dakota State on Friday night.

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