Troy drops heartbreaker to Minnesota in WNIT Fab 4
Published 8:23 pm Wednesday, April 3, 2024
- Tai’Sheka Porchia drives to the basket against Minnesota. (Photo by Josh Boutwell)
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The Troy Trojans’ historic postseason run came to an end on Wednesday night, losing 74-69 in a heartbreaking defeat to the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the WNIT Fab 4.
Troy trailed 23-15 after the first quarter and in the second quarter Minnesota led by as many as 12 before the Trojans began to force mistakes with their full court defense, and cut the lead to one late in the half. Still, Minnesota was able to take a 45-36 lead into halftime.
Troy cut the lead to 59-55 with two minutes left in the third quarter and the Gophers led 62-59 heading into the fourth quarter after Troy went on a 17-5 run to close the period.
With two minutes left in the game – and Troy firing on all cylinders behind a rawkus Trojan Arena crowd – the Trojans cut the lead to just one point. Clutch free throw making for the Gophers – and a number of Troy misses – sealed the win for Minnesota and punching its ticket into the WNIT Championship.
Ja’Mia Hollings had another big night in the tournament, scoring 25 points with 12 rebounds and one steal. It was her seventh straight double-double to close the season. Tai’Sheka Porchia added 21 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks, while Makayia Hallmon tallied 19 points, four rebounds, three assists and one block.
Minnesota was led by Amaya Battle with 18 points and seven rebounds, while 6-foot-five-inch Sophie Hart tallied 12 points and 11 rebounds.