Gophers Dominate Belmont to Capture WBIT Championship!

In a thrilling finale at the historic Hinkle Fieldhouse, the Minnesota Gophers capped off their season with a commanding 75-63 victory over the Belmont Bruins in the Women’s Basketball Invitational Tournament (WBIT) final. This win not only awarded them the coveted title but also marked a triumphant end to their season, with the Gophers finishing with an impressive record of 25-11.

The star of the night, freshman guard Tori McKinney, truly stole the show, delivering her career-best performance just when her team needed it most. Hailing from Minnetonka, McKinney lit up the scoreboard with 26 points, shooting an outstanding 10 of 14 from the field and hitting four of seven three-pointers. Her explosive start helped the Gophers jump out to an early lead, scoring nine of the team’s first-quarter points and continuing her momentum throughout the game.

"I’m so proud of her," commented junior forward Mallory Heyer, who also had a remarkable performance with her second consecutive double-double, scoring 18 points and grabbing 16 rebounds. "She was just everywhere tonight. She was hitting big shots, celebrating, and even played exceptionally well on the defensive end."

In addition to McKinney and Heyer, Amaya Battle, a standout player of the tournament, contributed significantly with 17 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Together, these players formed a formidable trio that helped keep Belmont at bay, especially in the fourth quarter, where the Gophers faced a late comeback attempt from the Bruins.

Despite a series of turnovers that allowed Belmont to narrow the gap to 67-58, the Gophers held their ground. Key performances from Battle, Heyer, and Grace Grocholski—who collectively scored all six points for the team in the fourth quarter—ensured Minnesota's championship victory.

"This was a spectacular game," said Gophers coach Dawn Plitzuweit. "Not only did Tori excel offensively, but her defensive play was exceptional. She made sound decisions during critical moments, showcasing her incredible talent and potential."

The victory at Butler University signifies a bright future for the Gophers, heralding this win as a stepping stone toward greater achievements in the coming seasons. "This place is just such a genuine place to be," McKinney reflected. "We can see the progress we're making, and it's just a stepping stone to make it even further next year."

With this triumphant conclusion to their season, the Gophers have set the stage for an exciting future, and fans are eagerly awaiting what’s to come in their next campaign!