Gophers women’s basketball has studied -- and cheered -- the Lynx

Count the Gophers women’s basketball team among the many diehard supporters of the Minnesota Lynx, especially during this year’s playoff run. Arguably the hottest tickets in town are for Game 3 of the WNBA Finals on Wednesday night at Target Center. While Gophers standout Mara Braun and company are preparing for their upcoming season that starts Nov. 4 vs. Central Connecticut State, they jumped at the opportunity to see the Lynx play the New York Liberty this week. “We were lucky enough to get tickets,” Braun said Tuesday. “We’ll all be there as a team. That will be fun.” Several Gophers players have attended Lynx games throughout what has been a special season with the WNBA’s second-best record. The excitement surrounding the WNBA and women’s basketball seems to be as booming as ever locally and nationally. Their college counterparts hope there’s some carryover to their season, too. “Just seeing the atmosphere and all the Minnesota basketball fans — hopefully they can support us as well,” Braun said. “Obviously we have to produce on the court as well. We’re looking forward to that.” Senior center Sophie Hart said the Gophers appreciate their loyal fanbase, but they hope to attract new fans to games this season much like the Lynx have at home.