Gophers off to best start since 2014-15 but yet to receive top-25 votes

Minnesota beat Michigan and Nebraska last week.

Despite back-to-back Big Ten wins that improved its record to 13-3 overall and 3-2 in the conference, the Gophers women’s basketball team did not receive a single vote in the latest AP Top 25 poll released Monday.

After a narrow loss to Maryland at home on Jan. 3, the Gophers blew out Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich., on Tuesday and held on for a narrow victory over Nebraska at home Sunday. Aside from the loss to the Terrapins, the Gophers’ only other two losses have come to No. 2 Iowa and No. 9 Connecticut.

Minnesota’s 13-3 start is its best since a 14-2 start during the 2014-15 season.

Minnesota players celebrate the win after the game against Nebraska at Williams Arena in Minneapolis on Jan. 14, 2024 :: Matt Krohn / USA TODAY Sports

Meanwhile, Gophers sophomore Mallory Heyer was named to the Big Ten’s weekly honor roll for her performances in the wins over Michigan and Nebraska.

Heyer had 21 points and five boards in the victory over the Wolverines on Tuesday and followed up with 16 points and seven rebounds in Sunday’s win over Nebraska.

The Gophers return to action on Wednesday when they visit Indiana for a 7 p.m. tipoff. Then they’ll have a home tilt against Michigan State at 2 p.m. on Saturday. Perhaps a couple wins this week would give Minnesota some national attention.