Redshirt freshman guard Aerial Powers goes up to the basket as Minnesota center Amanda Zahui B. guards Feb. 24, 2014, at Breslin Center. The Spartans lead at half 44-33. Julia Nagy/The State News
—Behind freshman guard Tori Jankoska’s hot shooting, the No. 21 women’s basketball team leads Minnesota 44-33 at Breslin Center.
Jankoska has a team-high 16 points and is 4-of-6 from deep. Redshirt freshman guard Aerial Powers has seven points and four rebounds, and senior guard Klarissa Bell has six assists.
Minnesota junior guard Rachel Banham leads all scorers with 19 points. Redshirt freshman center Amanda Zahui B., one of the top freshman in the conference, was held scoreless in the first half.
It was a back and forth affair early, but Powers sunk a spot-up 3-pointer to give the Spartans an 11-7 lead. Jankoska’s 3-pointer minutes later made it a 16-7 lead.
Redshirt freshman guard Branndais Agee checked in with under 12 minutes left and scored near the basket to increase the lead to 20-11. Bell found junior center Jasmine Hines on the next play, who spun to the rim and put the lead into double figures.
Jankoska rattled in another 3-pointer to stretch the lead to 14, 25-11.
Redshirt junior center Madison Williams delivered a highlight play not long after checking in, stuffing Minnesota senior forward Micaella Riche’ under the rim. Noga kept the possession alive by making a 3-pointer at the buzzer, but Jankoska hit her third 3-pointer on the next offensive trip.
Jankoska missed out on a 3-point play opportunity after she was fouled on a circus layup, but Williams grabbed the rebound and flicked it up for an additional two points.
The Spartans shot 58.1 percent in the first half and 63.6 percent from downtown.
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