Mara Braun scores 19 to lead No. 18 Minnesota women to 86-47 victory over Southern

Mara Braun scored 19 points and 18th-ranked Minnesota cruised to an 86-47 victory over Southern on Tuesday night. Braun made 6 of 13 shots with three 3-pointers and hit all four of her free throws for the Golden Gophers (3-0). She added four steals. Gracie Merkle scored 12 off the bench on 6-for-7 shooting for Minnesota. Natalie Kussow totaled 11 points, five rebounds and four assists. Grace Grocholski had 11 points and six boards. Braun made two 3-pointers and Minnesota held Southern to 18% shooting in taking a 16-6 lead after one quarter. Braun and Grocholski both scored seven in the second quarter, and Merkle added six points off the bench on 3-for-3 shooting as the Golden Gophers rolled into halftime up 40-24. The Jaguars (0-3) stayed within two points of Minnesota in the third quarter, but Natalie Kussow scored seven in a 22-2 run to start the fourth, sealing the victory. Reserves Jestiny Dixon and Taelar Felton both scored 10 to pace Southern. Southern: Hosts Louisiana Christian on Friday. Minnesota: Hosts Kansas State on Saturday. ___ Sign up for Top 25 poll alerts here, visit the Top 25 here and see AP's full college basketball coverage here In: Sports College Basketball Minnesota University of Minnesota Golden Gophers Basketball Featured Local Savings