April 6, 2024
Postseason WNIT | 4/6/2024 5:26:41 PM
SAINT LOUIS 69, MINNESOTA 50
EDWARDSVILLE, IL – Saint Louis got 20 points from Kyla McMakin and 19 more from Peyton Kennedy, with the Billikens defense muscling up when it mattered most as SLU took down Minnesota to win the championship game of the 2024 Postseason WNIT.
The Billikens (22-18), which reached the title game after winning a series of nail-biters in previous rounds, took a 20-point lead at one juncture of the third quarter and cruised to the victory, shooting 46 percent from 3-point range (11-of-24) and forcing 20 turnovers.
Kennedy Calhoun finished with 11 points, and Julia Martinez had a stellar all-around effort with 10 rebounds, six assists and five steals.
Saint Louis took a double-digit lead into halftime (33-21) as Julia Martinez hit a 3-pointer just before the buzzer. In the first 20 minutes, Minnesota shot just 29 percent from the field and was outrebounded by SLU, 25-20.
The Billikens pulled away in the third quarter, holding the Gophers scoreless for a seven-minute stretch. Brooklyn Gray hit a 3-pointer for SLU to make it 46-27 with 3:59 left in the third; Minnesota missed two free throws and a layup from Kennedy Calhoun pushed the lead over 20 points (48-27).
The Gophers (20-15) had Sophie Hart score 13 points; Janay Sanders scored 12 points and Mallory Heyer finished with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Freshman Grace Grocholski had nine rebounds and played all 40 minutes.
Here are the players who were named to the 2024 Postseason WNIT All-Tournament team:
Emma Utterback – Vermont
Ja’Mia Hollings – Troy
Amaya Battle – Minnesota
Mallory Heyer – Minnesota
Kyla McMakin – Saint Louis
Peyton Kennedy – Saint Louis (MVP)