Sophie Hart and Mara Braun returned from injury and combined for 26 points Tuesday night as the Minnesota Gophers rolled past Pacific 77-62 in the second round of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament at Williams Arena

The Gophers (17-15) will play host to North Dakota State in the Super 16 round at 7 p.m. Friday at Williams Arena.

Minnesota jumped out to a quick 10-0 lead in the opening two minutes and was never headed. The Gophers remained in control all evening by forcing 22 Tigers turnovers.

Hart, who missed the previous six games with a hip injury, scored 14 points. Braun, who had been shelved for 11 games with a foot injury, added 12.

Mallory Heyer chipped in 11 points for Minnesota, and Amaya Battle tallied 10 points, six rebounds and six assists.
The Tigers (19-15) got 14 points from Cecilia Holmberg and 12 from Anaya James.

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