Minnesota sidesteps a major March Madness upset by surging past No. 13 seed Green Bay 75-58 at home

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The progress Minnesota made this season to draw a top-16 seed for the NCAA Tournament never mattered more than down the stretch against Green Bay, with a roaring crowd helping carry the Gophers to victory.

Minnesota survived a home-court scare from the No. 13 seed, using a 30-point fourth quarter to surge past the Phoenix 75-58 in the first round on Friday.

Amaya Battle had 21 points and eight rebounds, Sophie Hart scored 19 points, and Mara Braun saved her best for the sizzling finish as the No. 4 seed Gophers (23-8) celebrated their first tournament appearance since 2018 with a memorable comeback in front of a season-high 10,355 fans at Williams Arena.

“It was the loudest I’ve ever heard it. This is what we dream of doing, and especially at home,” said Braun, who had eight of her 16 points in the fourth quarter. “We wanted to get to the tournament, first and foremost, but being able to host is just an amazing advantage.”

Minnesota, which trailed 43-34 midway through the third quarter, will stay hom...