Bello’s 22 Rebounds Lead Gophers to Double-Overtime Win over Rutgers
February 2, 2020

Taiye Bello had 22 rebounds in 19 points as Minnesota upset Rutgers 73-71 in double overtime at Williams Arena.

The first three quarters were marked by tight defense and strong rebounding. Bello pulled down seven boards in the third quarter as the Scarlet Knights scored only five points.

The fourth quarter opened up as Rutgers finally got their offense going. Minnesota led 40-47 early in the quarter when Khadaizha Sanders tied the score with a three-pointer. A three-point play by Arella Guirantes gave the Knights a 43-40 lead. Following the inbounds pass, Tekia Mack stripped Masha Adashchyk and went in for an easy layup. Two free throws by Sanders made it 10 points in a row for Rutgers and a 47-40 lead.

The Gophers came back and closed the gap on the first of three three-pointers of the quarter. Adashchyk had a steal and reverse layup to leave Minnesota trailing 51-49 with two minutes left, but another three-point play by Guirantes put the Knights’ lead back to five.

Inside of a minute Rutgers clung to a 56-52 lead. Jasmine Powell missed on a three-point attempt, but Adashchyk got the rebound and fed Hubbard, who hit another three (her fifth of the game) to make the score 56-55.

Minnesota turned the ball over (the Gophers had 21 turnovers in the game) and had to foul Sanders, who missed the first and made the second. Down by two, the Gophers were out of timeouts and had to inbound from behind the basket. Adashchyk fired a long pass to Bello, who caught the ball and was fouled with 3.9 seconds left. Bello made both shots to send the game to overtime.

Rutgers scored the first four points on free throws by Guirantes but didn’t score again. Minnesota got two back on Powell’s basket. With just over 30 seconds left, Powell missed, but Bello got the rebound and put it back to make the score 61-61.

Rutgers center Jordan Wallace fouled out in overtime and—and winning the tap the previous two times—wasn’t available for the jump ball to start the second overtime. This time, Bello got the tap from Mael Gilles to give Minnesota first possession. Powell hit a pair of free throws, but Sanders quickly tied the score. Bello hit a free throw to put Minnesota ahead to stay with a free throw. She missed the second but came up with her 20th rebound. A few seconds later, she was fouled on a three-point attempt and made them all for a 67-63 win.

The Gophers scored all 12 of their second-overtime points on free throws and held the lead. Rutgers stayed close. After Sara Scalia made only one of two free throws with under five seconds left, Rutgers raced back downcourt. Guirantes fed Sanders, who had a look on a three-pointer that could win the game for Rutgers. Instead, the ball bounded off the rim as the clock expired.

Powell had Bello each had 19 points for the Gophers. Hubbard was the only other Minnesota player in double figures, with 17.

For Rutgers, Guirantes had 19 points and Sanders 17. Mack had 16 points and 13 rebounds.