Gopher women to host Ball State in WNIT

Jan 17, 2013; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers guard Rachel Banham (1) drives past Purdue Boilermakers guard Hayden Hamby (10) during the 1st half at Mackey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sandra Dukes-USA TODAY Sports

While the Gopher women’s basketball team was not selected for the NCAA Tournament, Minnesota will be one of 64 teams in the Women’s National Invitation Tournament.

The Gophers will open the first round of the WNIT at Williams Arena against Ball State of the Mid-American Conference.

This is only the second time the Gophers have played in the WNIT. The first appearance in the tournament was in the 2006-07 season — Minnesota lost in the second round that year.

If Minnesota can defeat Ball State on Friday, the Gophers will face either Northern Iowa or Marquette.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT.