USC falls to Minnesota 63-62 in thriller, Grocholski’s 25 points seal upset

Grace Grocholski delivered the knockout punch as Minnesota women’s basketball stunned No. 21 USC 63-62 in a thriller on Sunday, January 11, 2026. The victory ended the Gophers’ 36-game losing streak against ranked opponents, a drought stretching back years.

Grocholski Takes Over in Second Half

Grace Grocholski was the difference-maker when it mattered most. The Minnesota forward exploded for 17 of her 25 points after halftime, taking over down the stretch. Shooting 10-of-20 from the field, she combined efficiency with clutch execution. The North Prairie, Wisconsin native made just enough plays to keep the Gophers’ lead intact.

Grocholski’s second-half dominance proved critical against a Trojans team desperate to avoid falling to a ranked opponent. While Mara Braun and other Gophers starters struggled, Grocholski provided the offensive firepower to weather USC’s rally.

Dunn’s Late Surge Falls Short

Kara Dunn nearly completed an improbable comeback for the Trojans. The USC guard erupted for 14 of her 27 points in the fourth quarter alone, scoring to make it 62-59 with just 10 seconds remaining. Her scoring outburst was one of the most dramatic individual efforts of the game, showcasing why she’s one of the Pac-12’s most dangerous scorers.

Despite Dunn’s heroics, it wasn’t enough. Tori McKinney made one of two free throws with seven seconds left to seal the victory for Minnesota. The loss marked USC’s third consecutive defeat, a disappointing stretch for the previously ranked program.

The One-Point Thriller That Changed Everything

Team	Final Score
Minnesota Golden Gophers	63
USC Trojans (Ranked No. 21)	62

The one-point margin masked how close this game really was down to the final possession. Minnesota made crucial free throws when it counted most, while USC’s defense tightened but couldn’t quite stop the bleeding. This wasn’t just a regular-season win, it was an emotional and historic breakthrough for the Gophers program.

Breaking a 36-Game Curse Against Ranked Teams

“Since then, the Gophers had lost 36 consecutive games to ranked opponents, including two this season to top-10 foes Maryland and Michigan.”

— Star Tribune, Minnesota Sports Coverage

Minnesota’s 36-game losing streak against ranked opponents is now history. The Gophers had suffered through losses to Maryland and Michigan earlier this season, with no wins against ranked programs stretching back years. This victory represents more than just two points on the scoreboard. It’s proof that Minnesota women’s basketball belongs in conversations with the nation’s best.

Coach Dawn Plitzuweit’s team showed the resilience needed to win tight games against elite competition. The free-throw execution in crunch time, combined with Grocholski’s scoring punch, gives the program momentum heading forward.

What Does This Victory Mean for Both Programs?

For Minnesota, this win could spark a turnaround in season outlook and tournament hopes. For USC, the loss drops them to 21st in rankings and forces questions on their recent form. The Trojans came to Minneapolis seeking a resume-building road victory but instead leave empty-handed.

This game demonstrates that on any given Sunday in women’s college basketball, the expected outcome isn’t guaranteed. Grocholski’s 25 points and Minnesota’s free-throw discipline proved more decisive than Dunn’s 27 points and USC’s fourth-quarter push. Both teams entered with realistic tournament aspirations, but Minnesota’s players executed when it mattered most.

Sources

• Star Tribune – Minnesota Gophers women’s basketball coverage and game recap
• Los Angeles Times – USC women’s basketball loss analysis with Kara Dunn statistics
• Associated Press/KVUE – Grace Grocholski 25-point performance documentation