By Philip Rossman-ReichThe Daily Northwestern
In a game which saw 38 combined turnovers, a single turnover decided the outcome between Northwestern and Minnesota.
Junior guard Nadia Bibbs fumbled a tipped pass into the hands of Emily Fox who pulled up and made the game-winning basket for the Gophers in their 65-63 win at Welsh-Ryan Arena Thursday.
“I think we put in a great effort,” coach Beth Combs said. “(Minnesota) came out tonight with a lot of intensity, with a lot of ball pressure and put us back on our heels and we were really able to handle it and obviously put ourselves in a position to win a ball game.”
NU came into the game averaging 17.5 turnovers for the season, while forcing their opponents into 15.7 turnovers per game. However, the Cats average has risen to 18.3 turnovers in conference play.
They committed 20 turnovers while forcing 18 against Minnesota. Bibbs led the team with five.
“We know our abilities and we know what we are capable of doing,” Bibbs said. “It’s just going out there and using our strengths. We have the ability to win. If we can eliminate those turnovers we can be a really good team.”
For the first time in conference play, the Cats were able to force turnovers and convert off of their opponent’s mistakes.
Senior forward A.J. Glasauer said points off of turnovers are important for team energy in games. They lead to fast breaks which can get the team going on runs needed to win ball games.
NU scored 20 points off of Minnesota’s turnovers. The Cats have been averaging 13.3 points off of turnovers in the conference.
Turnovers have been a point of emphasis for the Cats. This season, they have allowed opponents to pull away from them and win games.
The extra possessions gained from turnovers have been the difference between having a chance to win and losing by ten or more points.
According to Bibbs, forcing turnovers feeds the offense and gives it energy, making it easier to score.
“Turnovers often result in transition points or fouls because you’re too late,” Glasauer said. “Everybody has to hustle back. Everybody’s got to do it. There is no exception.”
The Cats could not keep the Gophers from converting points on their mistakes. Conference opponents averaged 20 points per game off NU turnovers.
Minnesota got 17 points off of turnovers. They scored nine in the final eight minutes of the game as NU let a nine point lead slip away.
“If we have the turnovers, we’ve got to pick each other up,” Glasauer said. “If somebody has a turnover, everybody has got to get back. You can’t think about it in the game. If you make a mistake, run back and get a stop.”
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