[Tuck4Bama]

MINNEAPOLIS—Minnesota is serving notice that its first-ever Big Ten women's basketball championship is within reach.


The Gophers followed up Thursday's impressive win over league-leading Ohio State with a rugged 81-69 victory over Michigan State on Sunday at Williams Arena. By beating the Spartans, the Gophers closed to within a half-game of the Buckeyes, who host Penn State Monday night.

"It's harder winning the Big Ten than it is getting into the NCAA tournament," said Gopher coach Pam Borton, who's led Minnesota to a second- and third-place finish in her first five seasons. "That's what these two games did for us. We've got to win some games on the road now."

That road test comes right away for the Gophers with games at Purdue on Thursday and at Ohio State on Sunday. Minnesota is already 2-2 away from Williams Arena in Big Ten play.

TwinCities.com - Minnesota women beat Michigan State 81-69