GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- The University of North Dakota women's basketball team fell to Minnesota, 68-55, on Wednesday night at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center, snapping its seven-game winning streak.

UND (7-2) held the Gpphers to just 39.1 percent shopoting from the floor overall, but Minnesota stretched a slim two-point halftime lead into a double-digit lead by the midway point of the second half and never looked back.

The first half was a see-saw affair that saw the lead change hands four different times and five tie scores. UM (9-1) would go into the locker room at the break with a 27-25 advantage, despite shooting under 30 percent from the floor (29.4.) and without their leading scorer, as Preseason Big Ten Player of the Year Rachel Banham succumbed to injury after just 11 minutes of play.

Minutes later, UND also lost a key piece when senior Emily Evers was lost for the night to injury and Minnesota owned a huge advantage in the post. It took advantage with Shae Kelley scoring a game-high 24 points and Amanda Zahui B. chipping in 15 points, 16 rebounds and four blocks.

The Gophers shot 48.6% in the second half to run the lead to as many as 16.  

UND was led by Leah Szabla with 14 points. Mia Loyd brought down 11 rebounds along with her 13 points to earn a double-double, her team-high-tying fifth of the season.

North Dakota heads to Clemson Saturday to battle the Tigers. Tip is set for 6:00 p.m Central.