Harvard CrimsonvsMinnesota Golden Gophers
HARV 62/MINN 82
Things to say
Minnesota beat Harvard 82-62 at The Barn to open the season 1-0.
01
opener
Gophers took care of business at home, 82-62. Never really in doubt. Harvard hung around early but Minnesota pulled away and cruised.
02
key player
Gracie Merkle was a problem down low, 22 points. She just ate them up in the paint all night.
03
hot take
Twenty-point win and it still felt like Minnesota left buckets on the floor. This team's got another gear.
04
deep cut
Tayla Thomas quietly grabbed 10 boards and Grocholski ran the show with 5 dimes. Balanced effort, not just a one-woman show.
05
exit
Good opener. Let's see what they do once the schedule gets real.
The recap
Minnesota opened the season with a statement, running Harvard off the floor 82-62 at The Barn. Gracie Merkle was the engine, dropping 22 and bullying folks in the paint all night, while Tayla Thomas cleaned the glass with 10 boards.
Harvard's Sam Wills kept them breathing with 20 of her own, but she didn't get nearly enough help and the Crimson took the L in the opener. Tidy start for the Gophers.