Gophers Open 2026 Conference Play Against Rangers

MADISON, NJ - Goucher (5-7 overall, 1-4 Landmark) traveled for its first conference matchup of 2026, facing the Rangers of Drew University (7-4 overall, 3-2 Landmark). After a tightly contested opening quarter, Drew maintained control for the remainder of the game, earning a 65-51 win over the Gophers.

Drew opened the game with a 3-pointer and quickly built an 8-0 lead before Lauryn Towns scored on a driving layup to put Goucher on the board. The Rangers continued to apply pressure, but layups from Logan Davis and a 3-pointer by Nia Edens helped the Gophers cut into the deficit. Davis closed the first quarter with a jump shot, sending Goucher into the second quarter trailing by seven.

Leila Townsend opened the scoring in the second quarter as Goucher looked to close the gap. Drew responded by extending its lead to 28-13 with 5:19 remaining in the half. The Gophers found momentum behind a 3-pointer from Chyanne Harris and a driving layup by Aniya McDaniel. After a brief scoring drought, Drew added two more points before McDaniel scored again with 28 seconds remaining. Drew carried a 38-21 advantage into halftime.

Goucher opened the third quarter with the first five points as McDaniel converted two free throws and followed with a driving layup. Strong defensive efforts on both sides resulted in a three-minute scoring drought. Layups by Edens and Davis brought the Gophers within 10 at 46-36, but Drew closed the quarter at the free-throw line to maintain a 49-36 lead.

The Rangers began the fourth quarter with another 3-pointer. Goucher answered with a jump shot from Townsend, and Edens scored the next five points for the Gophers. Drew continued to find scoring openings, extending its lead to 60-45 with 4:53 remaining. Goucher battled late with a jumper from McDaniel and layups by Sanai Knox, but Drew held on to secure the 65-51 win. 

McDaniel led the Gophers with 15 points, followed by Edens with 11. Townsend recorded four steals and tied for the team lead in rebounds with five. Towns and Davis also pulled down five rebounds apiece.

Goucher shot 43.8% from the field compared to Drew's 31.9%. The Rangers went 9-26 from 3-point range, while the Gophers finished 2-10. Drew also held the edge at the free-throw line, shooting 80% to Goucher's 46.7%.

The Gophers return to the road on Saturday, Jan. 10 for a Landmark Conference matchup at Juniata, scheduled for 2 pm. Goucher will return home on Jan. 17 to host Wilkes at 4 pm in the Decker Sports and Recreation Center.