Women’s basketball opens play Wednesday night at home

JAN 29, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Gophers guard Rachel Banham (1) drives to the lane defended by Ohio State Buckeyes guard Amber Stokes (3) in the second half at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-US PRESSWIRE

The Gopher women’s basketball team opens exhibition play Wednesday night in Williams Arena against Division II Concordia St. Paul, a team Minnesota has not faced in more than 30 years.

In their last meeting against the Golden Bears, the Gophers won by two points. Minnesota has not lost to Concordia in four match-ups.

Minnesota finished last season with a 19-17 record and won the Women’s Basketball Invitational.

The Gophers are expected to have a better team this year with Big Ten Freshman of the Year Rachel Banham. Banham averaged more than 16 points a game last year while starting all 36 games.