Gophers Capture First Victory in Columbus

Junior center Ashley Ellis-Milan scored three free throws in the final 17 seconds to secure the winning margin in a huge 59-56 victory over No. 15/13 Ohio State at Value City Arena in Columbus , Ohio , on Thursday. Minnesota , 12-5 overall and 4-2 in Big Ten play, celebrated the program's first win in Columbus after 23 previous attempts.   "This was a great win for us," said Golden Gopher head coach Pam Borton . "We were able to make just a few more plays than they did down the stretch. I'm proud of how our players reacted to adversity out there tonight. Our post players, Ashley and Zoe (Harper) played an outstanding game against Jantel Lavender."   The last three minutes of the game were a test of intestinal fortitude. Emily Fox, who led the Gophers with seven assists, hit a jumper with 3:03 remaining to give the Gophers a 54-47 lead. The stage was set for quite an ending, as Ohio State 's streak had won 86 straight home games against unranked teams coming into the battle with the Gophers.   The Buckeyes' sensational freshman point guard Samantha Prahaulis hit a rainbow three-pointer from the right wing to bring Ohio State to within four points at 54-50 with 2:45 to play. Jackie Voigt was whistled for a moving screen to give the ball back to the Buckeyes. The call would open the door for Ohio State to tie the score at 56-56 on two more Prahaulis free throws with 35 seconds remaining.   The Gophers worked the ball inside to Ellis-Milan who made a strong move to the basket and drew the foul. With 17 seconds on the clock, Ellis-Milan calmly put the Gophers up by two at 58-56.   After a time out, Prahaulis who made several big plays finishing with 16 points and four assists, made her biggest mistake of the game tossing the ball over the out-stretched arms of Lavender. Forced to foul, Ellis-Milan took the foul and returned to the line with three seconds left. She made the first and missed the second.   Ohio State called a time out and set up a long pass to Lavender, who tried to split Ellis-Milan and Harper in a last-second shot that wasn't close to the rim.   Katie Ohm played a big role, hitting on five-of-six three-point field goals for 15 points. Kiara Buford added nine points and eight rebounds off the bench.   Minnesota collected an impressive 15-0 advantage in second-chance points on a 34-21 rebound margin, 11-3 on the offensive boards.   Lavender led all scorers with 20 points but took only six shots.   Minnesota plays host to Michigan on Sunday in its next contest.   - UM -