Minnesota pulls away late to defeat 13-seed Green Bay 75-58 in NCAA tournament opener

Gophers use fourth-quarter surge to avoid early exit in Williams Arena matchup

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota avoided a first-round upset in the NCAA women’s basketball tournament on Saturday, pulling away in the final period to beat No. 13 seed Green Bay 75-58 at Williams Arena. The Gophers entered the game as a No. 4 seed in a bracket pod assigned to the Sacramento regional, while Green Bay arrived as the Horizon League’s automatic qualifier after winning its conference tournament.

The margin was built late. After a competitive first three quarters, Minnesota outscored Green Bay 30-9 in the fourth quarter, turning a close game into a decisive result. Green Bay scored 11 points in the opening quarter and stayed within reach through the middle of the game, but its offense slowed sharply during Minnesota’s closing run.

What decided the game

The final quarter reflected a clear shift in execution. Minnesota increased its scoring pace while limiting Green Bay to single digits in the period, creating separation without needing an early blowout. In tournament play, that ability to generate a late scoring burst can be a key differentiator, particularly in 4-vs-13 matchups that often remain tight into the second half.

Green Bay entered the tournament with a strong record and recent postseason momentum, including a conference-title performance that secured the automatic bid. Against Minnesota, the Phoenix remained within striking distance for much of the evening, but the closing stretch left little room for recovery once the deficit reached double digits.

By the numbers

• Final score: Minnesota 75, Green Bay 58
• Fourth quarter: Minnesota 30, Green Bay 9
• Seeds: Minnesota No. 4, Green Bay No. 13
• Site: Williams Arena, Minneapolis

What it means for Minnesota

The win sends Minnesota forward in the NCAA bracket after a game that tested its composure for three quarters. The Gophers’ late acceleration provided a template for surviving an opponent playing with the urgency typical of a lower seed—competitive early, then forced to chase when the margin grows.

Minnesota turned a close game into a comfortable win by dominating the final 10 minutes.

What it means for Green Bay

For Green Bay, the loss closes a season that included another Horizon League tournament championship and an NCAA berth. The Phoenix showed it could compete with a higher seed for extended stretches, but the final period underscored the difficulty of sustaining offense and stops against a team that can raise its level late.

The tournament continues with Minnesota advancing, while Green Bay’s season ends in the round of 64.