The stage is set for a thrilling second-round matchup in the Women’s Basketball Invite Tournament as the No. 3 seed Missouri State Bears (26-8) take on the No. 2 seed Minnesota Golden Gophers (21-11) this Sunday, March 23, 2025. The highly anticipated game is scheduled to tip off at 3 p.m. ET at the Great Southern Bank Arena in Springfield, Missouri, with both teams vying for a coveted spot in the Sweet 16.
Missouri State heads into this contest fresh off an impressive victory over Oral Roberts, where they decisively triumphed by a score of 107-76. The Bears showcased their offensive prowess, led by Lacy Stokes, who finished the game with 19 points, seven rebounds, and an impressive 10 assists. Fellow teammate Paige Rocca also contributed significantly, matching Stokes’s point total with 19 of her own. Following this stand-out performance, they look to carry that momentum into their upcoming clash against Minnesota.
On the other side of the court, the Minnesota Golden Gophers secured their advancement by defeating Toledo with a solid performance that concluded with a score of 65-53. The Gophers were led by Amaya Battle, who topscored for her team with 18 points. Minnesota will need Battle’s scoring ability and leadership to contend with Missouri State's high-powered offense.
The matchup promises to be competitive, as both teams have strong scoring averages this season. Missouri State manages to put up an average of 73.9 points per game and curtails their opponents to 63.3, yielding a positive scoring differential of 10.6 points. Their overall scoring differential sits at a noteworthy +360, a statistic that emphasizes their dominance. Lacy Stokes leads the team with an average of 14.4 points per game, a crucial figure to note as Missouri State approaches this high-stakes encounter.
In contrast, Minnesota's offensive output has slightly lagged recently, averaging 73.2 points per game while allowing just 60.9, creating a differential of 12.3 points per game. Notably, they enter this game with a scoring differential of +393. Grace Grocholski, a key player on Minnesota's roster, averages 12.9 points per game and will be pivotal in countering Missouri State’s scoring abilities.
Both teams have fluctuating performances in their recent games; Missouri State has scored an average of 75.1 points in their last 10 matchups but has also seen their defensive average rise to 68.2 points allowed, slightly higher than their season average. Minnesota, meanwhile, has recorded 65.7 points per game over the same period, which is significantly lower than their season tally, with the team allowing an alarming 70.4 points. This inconsistency on defense may serve as a potential key factor in determining the outcome on Sunday.
The anticipation leading up to this game is palpable, with fans eager to see which team will punch their ticket to the next round. Predictions suggest a close contest, favoring Missouri State with a suggested score line of 69-68. As the action unfolds, supporters for both teams will be hoping their players can rise to the occasion.
The upcoming battle not only offers a chance at progression in the tournament but also showcases the raw talent and competitive spirit of both Missouri State and Minnesota. With both teams displaying remarkable skills and recent successes, Sunday’s game promises excitement and fierce basketball action.
Tickets are available for basketball enthusiasts looking to witness the thrilling encounter live. Don’t miss the opportunity to see fierce competitors battling it out for advancement in the tournament.
As NCAA Tournament games often do, this matchup could be the launchpad for remarkable plays and memories as teams strive to reach the coveted Sweet 16. Brace yourselves for an unforgettable basketball showdown this Sunday at 3 p.m. ET!
