Minnesota shocked a ranked USC squad with a thrilling 70-67 victory last night in Big Ten men’s basketball. The Golden Gophers pulled off the stunning upset at Williams Arena in Minneapolis, handing the Trojans their fourth consecutive conference loss and proving Minnesota belongs among college basketball’s elite.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Final Score: Minnesota 70, USC 67 on January 9, 2026
- Langston Reynolds: Led Minnesota with 22 points in the victory
- Cade Tyson: Added 16 points for the Golden Gophers
- Minnesota’s Record: Improved to 10-5 overall, 3-1 in Big Ten play
Reynolds Leads Gophers Past No. 24 Trojans
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Langston Reynolds delivered a championship-caliber performance, pouring in 22 points to lead Minnesota past USC in a nail-biter that had Williams Arena roaring. Cade Tyson complemented Reynolds with 16 points, giving the Gophers a dynamic one-two punch that simply overwhelmed USC’s defense down the stretch.
The Golden Gophers shot just 42% from the field but made it count when it mattered most, controlling the final minutes of a back-and-forth battle. Minnesota’s defense tightened in crunch time, holding USC to just 67 points and forcing critical turnovers.
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USC entered Minneapolis riding a 12-1 record and ranked 24th nationally, but the Trojans have now lost four straight Big Ten games. The West Coast visitors had no answers for Minnesota’s intensity, appearing fatigued from weekend losses to ranked opponents.
Chad Baker-Mazara led USC with just 10 points, highlighting the Trojans’ offensive struggles. The loss marks a devastating turn for a program that came into conference play as one of college basketball’s hottest teams.
Game Comparison
| Metric | Minnesota | USC |
| Points | 70 | 67 |
| Field Goal Percent | 42% | 56% |
| Three Point Percent | 43% | 25% |
| Big Ten Record | 3-1 | 1-3 |
“Minnesota won outright as 5.5-point home underdogs and the Over (130.5) hit. The Gophers showed tremendous poise down the stretch.”
— Game Analysis, USA Today Sports
Minnesota’s Conference Dominance Emerges
The Gophers have now won three of four conference games, establishing themselves as a legitimate Big Ten contender. Coach Ben Johnson’s squad has proven it can compete with anyone, notching quality wins at home in front of raucous crowds.
Minnesota’s defensive intensity was the story, holding a 24th-ranked offense to its lowest point total of the Big Ten season. The Golden Gophers are building momentum heading into their next matchup.
What’s Next for Minnesota’s Basketball Team?
With three conference wins in hand, Minnesota has positioned itself for a deep tournament run. Cade Tyson continues to lead the Big Ten in scoring with 325 points through 15 games, providing the ultimate insurance policy for the Gophers’ future.
Will Minnesota continue this stunning upward trajectory? The next Big Ten tests will tell whether this victory was a momentary flash or the start of something special in Minneapolis.
Sources
- ESPN – Complete box score and game statistics for USC vs Minnesota
- Fox Sports – Detailed game recap with player performance data
- USA Today Sports – Game analysis and Big Ten standings update
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.