Gophers run away to blowout win at Kentucky

Minnesota shot nearly 60-percent from three in first road win of the season

University of Minnesota Athletics

Minnesota's suffocating defense and lights-out shooting from three were the drivers as the Gophers ran away from Kentucky in a 76-57 win to improve to 8-1.

Despite the game ultimately ending in a blowout, the Gophers initially struggled to put away the Wildcats. Minnesota opened the game on a 10-4 run but Kentucky answered by scoring the next seven points, ending the first quarter up 17-16.

Minnesota then opened the second quarter on a similar 10-3 run but Kentucky answered with 8 of the next 10 points as they ended the first half up 38-36. The Gophers were impressive from range, shooting 7-12 from beyond the arc in the first half.

Dawn Plitzuweit's Gophers then took charge in the second half, jumping out to an 11-0 run on their way to second straight 20-point quarter.

Minnesota didn't wait long to put away the Wildcats in the fourth, outscoring Kentucky 20-8 in the final quarter.

Sophomore guard Mara Braun lead all scoring, shooting 9-15, including 5-7 from three, for 25 points.

Next up for the Gophers is the home Big Ten opener Sunday against Purdue, tip off is set for 1 p.m.