Stepping onto a bigger stage, hosting a game as a ranked team for the first time this season, the Gophers stumbled. The No. 23 Gophers lost 70-65 to No. 24 Michigan because they couldn’t score consistently on offense and couldn’t defend Michigan’s dynamic 1-2 freshman combination of Syla Swords and Olivia Olson.

The Gophers held the Wolverines to just seven points in the second quarter but were outscored in the other three in the loss. Still, they were well-positioned to take home their first win against a ranked opponent before the offense went cold in the waning minutes of the game.

The Golden Gophers outscored Northwestern 29-8 over the final eight minutes, making seven of their last eight shots and 14 of 17 free throws.

The Gophers trailed by double digits after three quarters. Grace Grocholski’s double-double helped them come back.

Minnesota trailed Northwestern by 11 between the third and fourth quarters Sunday in Evanston when Gophers coach Dawn Plitzuweit laid out a plan of attack to rally. Get a stop, then get a bucket. Get another stop,