The Gophers women’s basketball team shot 54.5 percent from three-point range and outscored Eastern Illinois 29-6 in the second quarter to erase an early deficit and run away with an 81-52 nonconference victory Wednesday night at Williams Arena.

Grace Grocholski led Minnesota’s balanced offense with 16 points, and Annika Stewart and Tori McKinney added 14 each as the Gophers improved to 6-0 on the season.

Eastern Illinois (0-4) led 18-17 at the end of the first quarter when the Gophers took control with a dominant second-quarter surge for a 46-24 lead at halftime.

Minnesota outrebounded Eastern Illinois 34-29. The Gophers’ defense forced 18 turnovers that were converted into 11 points. Minnesota committed just 10 turnovers in the game.