MINNEAPOLIS (Interstat) — The Minnesota women’s basketball team opened its season with a dominant 91-47 victory over North Dakota on Tuesday night at Williams Arena. The Golden Gophers controlled the game from the start, leading 44-27 at halftime before pulling away further in the second half.

Makena Christian led a balanced Minnesota attack with 23 points, while Sophie Hart added 16 points and seven rebounds. Finau Tonga also scored 14 points. North Dakota, which began its season 0-1, was led by Ava Miller’s 11 points. The Fighting Hawks struggled offensively, shooting just 21 percent from the floor and committing 19 turnovers. An announced crowd of 3,384 watched the Golden Gophers secure the non-conference win.