The University of Minnesota women’s basketball team is set to make its inaugural appearance in the Women’s Basketball Invitational Tournament (WBIT) as the No. 2 seed. They are scheduled to face off against Toledo on March 20 at 6 p.m. CT, taking place at the Savage Arena in Toledo, Ohio. This matchup marks a significant milestone for Minnesota, as it is the first meeting with the Rockets, who are entering the tournament with a strong 24-8 record.
Having finished the regular season with a record of 20-11 and a conference mark of 8-10 in the Big Ten, the Gophers are looking to capitalize on their postseason opportunity. This year's WBIT appearance is a noteworthy achievement for the University of Minnesota, representing their 18th postseason appearance and their second consecutive season in a national tournament following their success last season when they reached the championship game of the WNIT for the first time in program history. “The postseason bid marks Minnesota’s 18th postseason appearance and second consecutive season appearing in a national tournament,” as reported by Gopher Sports.
As the Gophers prepare for this significant matchup, their performance during the regular season stands out. They achieved a record number of nonconference wins this season, boasting a total of 12 — surpassing the previous record of 11 which had stood for numerous years. Additionally, several players have made an impact, with Amaya Battle and Grace Grocholski earning All-Big Ten Honorable Mention notifications from both coaches and media, while senior Maggie Czinano was recognized with the Sportsmanship Award for the second year in a row.
In their upcoming contest against Toledo, the Gophers will seek to continue building on a season where they have shown significant competition and skill. Toledo, their opponent, finished second in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) and advanced to the MAC Tournament finals, making their postseason run notable as well. However, the Rockets fell just short in the Championship game against Ball State.
On the court, Toledo boasts a strong record of winning 12 out of their last 15 games, and they maintained a remarkable seven-game winning streak from January 25 to February 19. Their depth of experience and success will challenge Minnesota. With this being the first time these two teams will meet, players and coaches alike are eager to see how the matchup unfolds.
Adding another layer to the anticipation, the WBIT is in its second year serving as a significant postseason opportunity for teams beyond the NCAA tournament, running a 32-team single-elimination format that gives plenty of teams across the nation a shot at success. The tournament serves as the second-best women's basketball postseason event behind the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, thus adding increased weight to this matchup.
Both teams will be keenly aware that this tournament is an opportunity not just to win games but also to showcase their capabilities and the potential growth of their respective programs. Minnesota’s strong performances throughout the regular season position them as serious contenders as they enter the WBIT. The Gophers hold a historical advantage with a solid 13-7 all-time record against the MAC, providing additional confidence heading into the game.
All eyes will be on Savage Arena on March 20 when Minnesota takes the court against Toledo. Fans can catch the game live via ESPN+, with play-by-play commentary provided by Justin Gaard and Lynnette Sjoquist on KFAN+. As the Gophers embark on this journey into the postseason, their focus will be on seizing the moment and making a lasting impression in the WBIT. It’s a critical step for the program, one that could shape the future of Minnesota women’s basketball.
