Minnesota Rallies Past Green Bay 75-58 in 2026 March Madness 1st Round

The No. 4 seed Minnesota Gophers found themselves locked in a tense battle against a tough No. 13 seed Green Bay Phoenix squad. Luckily for Minnesota, they managed to secure a 75-58 victory. The win keeps their championship hopes alive and protects their home-court advantage as they advance to the Round of 32 in the NCAA Women’s March Madness Tournament.

This game was a classic test of wills. Green Bay arrived with a deep postseason pedigree and a veteran roster. They were eager to reshape the region and to prove a lot ot doubters wrong, trying to get an upset win. Instead, Minnesota validated its top-16 seed by executing flawlessly when the pressure reached its peak.

A Tale of Two Halves at Williams Arena

The first half belonged to the gritty mid-major visitors. Green Bay dictated the tempo early, frustrating the Gophers on the offensive end.

Green Bay Makes A Immediate Impact

Minnesota struggled to find an efficient shooting rhythm and Green Bay took advantage. Green Bay was fighting hard on the glass and executing their half-court sets perfectly. The Phoenix took a narrow 29-26 lead into the locker room at halftime, punctuated by a demoralizing buzzer-beating jumper from Maddy Skorupski.

The 10,355 fans in attendance watched Green Bay extend their lead to 49-45 late in the third quarter. The Gophers stayed within striking distance, but they desperately needed to shift the momentum. Luckily for the team, they woke up in the 4th quarter.

The Decisive 14-0 Run That Saved Minnesota

Great teams find another gear in the fourth quarter, and Minnesota did exactly that. The Gophers opened the final period with a blistering 14-0 run, and that start changed the whole game. A four-point deficit quickly evaporated, turning into a double-digit lead for Minnesota.

During that explosive stretch, the Minnesota Gophers combined consecutive defensive stops with aggressive offensive rebounding. They outscored Green Bay 30-9 in the fourth quarter, effectively closing the door on the Phoenix’s Cinderella hopes.

Key Performers Who Stepped Up

Minnesota relied on its top talent to survive and advance. Amaya Battle was the primary standout, finishing with a team-high 21 points and 8 rebounds. Mara Braun delivered 16 points, hitting several clutch shots in the fourth quarter to fuel the breakaway run.

On the other side, Maddy Skorupski left everything on the court for Green Bay. She played all 40 minutes, leading the Phoenix offensively with 19 points and providing the defining moment of the first half with her buzzer-beater.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final score of the Minnesota vs. Green Bay game?
Minnesota defeated Green Bay with a final score of 75-58.

Who was the leading scorer for the Gophers?
Amaya Battle led Minnesota with 21 points and 8 rebounds. Maddy Skorupski led Green Bay with 19 points.

Where was the game played?
The game took place at Williams Arena, the home court for the Minnesota Gophers, with an attendance of 10,355 fans.

Looking Ahead to the Round of 32

Coach Dawn Plitzuweit praised her players for their composure and credited the roaring home crowd for energizing the late surge. Green Bay heads home with a respectable 25-9 record, leaving the tournament with plenty of experience to build upon for next season.

For Minnesota, the mission continues. The Gophers carry the momentum of a flawless fourth quarter into a highly anticipated Round of 32 clash with the No. 5 seed Ole Miss Rebels. If they can replicate their late-game execution, they will be a tough out for anyone remaining in the bracket. Hopefully, they come more prepared in that game, because Minnesota looked lost against Green Bay.