Gophers Fall to UCLA 76-58

[AndrewDukowitz(AdukeMN)]

Gophers lose to UCLA 76-58.

Gophers defense allows just 51 points through three quarters before allowing 25 in the fourth. They force 18 turnovers and held UCLA’s offense in check throughout most of the game.

Offensively they just couldn’t break out, after jumping out to a 7-2 lead they finished the first quarter scoring just 9 total points, going 4/14 from the field. In the second they scored 15 but still struggled going 7/18.

Overall the offense did come around as the Gophers shot a significantly better 14/30 in the second half, however they went 2/8 from distance in the second.

Ultimately the poor shooting and failure to capitalize on the UCLA mistakes (only 3 fast break points off the 18 turnovers) were to much to overcome as Lauren Betts came alive in the fourth quarter.

Post game videos linked below

Dawn P. Full opening statement-

Amaya Battle and Mara Braun Conference-

Dawn P. Press conference-

 

[drewhaus7]

Thanks for posting these!

 

[Longtimegopherfan]

Getting very concerned about Tori. Persistent concussions are serious. I’m worried about her long term future if she keeps this pattern going.
Anyone have any insight into this?

 

[gopherdudepart2]

Getting very concerned about Tori. Persistent concussions are serious. I’m worried about her long term future if she keeps this pattern going.
Anyone have any insight into this?

She got tripped, on an offensive screen, falling to the floor off balance with what looked like whiplash effect on that play that she had to come out of the game. They USC whacked her in the head on a rebound hard earlier in the game, and Amaya Battle to a shot in the back of the kneck on a board. Say what you will about the players, but they are some tough basketball players. Mckinney has a competitive spirit and works hard to get around screens, that play where she got tripped seemed very intentional by USC. Other teams focus on being physical with her McKinney, because she is our best on the ball defender.

 

[Aesop70]

Concern for Tori is legit - tough as she may be. Whether your playing football or women's basketball, concussions are concussions. You get 5/6 over 3 years and medical retirement is the right course - regardless how tough you are. Sincerely hope for her sake (and secondarily for the team's sake) she never gets another.

 

[Longtimegopherfan]

That is exactly my concern. She can only play one way--full speed. I trust the medical advisors are giving all the correct advice concerning her playing again but more importantly her long-term future.

 

[gophersoa]

I brought this up in an earlier thread after the last time she was out, once it starts to become a pattern can it be stopped?
Can you think of anyone in any sport where they were able to play once the concussions started happening?

 

[DietCokeFan]

I know there's a few volleyball players in the NCAA that wear a Q-Collar. I wonder if that is something that could be done in basketball. The play is more aggressive for sure.

 

[walleye]

Teams are being very cautious about players getting blows to the head these days because of all the information about the long-term damage of concussions, especially to football players. It has trickled down to many sports. Hopefully, the new vigilance will help athletes participate longer in sports and avoid permanent issues.

 

[Gopher68]

I know there's a few volleyball players in the NCAA that wear a Q-Collar. I wonder if that is something that could be done in basketball. The play is more aggressive for sure.

The most severe precaution that I recall involved Amanda Kessel. She was withheld from playing hockey for more than 2 years. She eventually found a treatment that allowed her to complete her final season.

 

[WinMinGophers!]

The most severe precaution that I recall involved Amanda Kessel. She was withheld from playing hockey for more than 2 years. She eventually found a treatment that allowed her to complete her final season.

Thanks for sharing that. She was out two years. Upon her return for the Gophers she was on fire including the NCAA Championship winning goal.

She also had one of the 2018 Olympic gold winning shootout goals, a Gopher hockey great.

Escape From The Darkness

Amanda Kessel’s Journey Back To The Olympic Stage A Triumphant Story Of Courage And Persistence

teamusa.usahockey.com

 

[gophersoa]

Thanks for sharing that. She was out two years. Upon her return for the Gophers she was on fire including the NCAA Championship winning goal.

She also had one of the 2018 Olympic gold winning shootout goals, a Gopher hockey great.

Escape From The Darkness

Amanda Kessel’s Journey Back To The Olympic Stage A Triumphant Story Of Courage And Persistence

teamusa.usahockey.com

Great story and good news for McKinney. At least it is possible she could get things straightened out and get back on the court at some point, if that is what she wants to do.

 

[thatjanelpick]

I brought this up in an earlier thread after the last time she was out, once it starts to become a pattern can it be stopped?
Can you think of anyone in any sport where they were able to play once the concussions started happening?

The MVP of the most recent volleyball final four had at least four concussions and had, in fact, been medically retired. But she came back (and helped her team win the national championship) with the help of a special collar for concussion sufferers. https://www.espn.com/college-sports...t-texas-kyndal-stowers-concussions-final-four

 

[gophersoa]

I’m glad there are some examples of athletes being able to overcome concussion problems. Hopefully McKinney will find one that works for her.
Assuming she is probably out for today; when does that sort of information come out?