The Minnesota Gophers suffered a heartbreaking 70-69 overtime loss to the Southern California Trojans on March 15, 2024, in a gripping encounter at Williams Arena. The atmosphere was charged with tension as Gophers fans expressed their frustration at the officiating, particularly during critical moments in the game’s closing phases.
Several boos resonated throughout The Barn, especially when a foul was called on Gophers player Langston Reynolds with just 10 seconds remaining in overtime. This call allowed Trojans guard Chad Baker-Mazara to secure two crucial free throws, ultimately sealing the Gophers’ fate. Baker-Mazara finished the game with an impressive 29 points.
Despite the tumultuous atmosphere, Gophers head coach Niko Medved chose not to blame the officiating for the loss. Instead, he focused on his team’s defensive performance during that decisive moment. “I got to see it again,” Medved remarked in the post-game press conference. “It was probably tough, but again, I’d go back to — they set a high ball screen for him and we needed to show and try to keep him out of the lane.”
Medved emphasized the importance of defensive execution, pointing out that the Gophers needed to prevent Baker-Mazara from penetrating the paint. “Sometimes those things happen fast,” he added. “In that critical situation, we needed to have somebody else on the screen and not let him get downhill.”
The Gophers faced significant challenges throughout the match, particularly with player availability. Early foul troubles sidelined Reynolds for a substantial portion of the first half, while Gophers guard Isaac Asuma also fouled out late in the game, which Medved acknowledged was a significant setback. “Isaac fouling out at the end really hurt us,” he stated. “Another guy who can make a shot. I thought that was a big play.”
The contest marked a return for USC head coach Eric Musselman, who reminisced about his childhood visits to The Barn when his father, Bill Musselman, was coaching the Gophers. “I’m sure it was really cool for him, too, knowing the history of his dad,” Medved noted, reflecting on the significance of the occasion.
USC’s defensive strategy proved effective, as they opted not to closely guard Reynolds and teammate Grayson Grove, potentially underestimating their shooting capabilities. This approach aimed to disrupt Minnesota’s offensive flow, particularly their attempts to create open shots in the paint off back cuts. Musselman even humorously remarked that his mother advised him not to let the Gophers defeat the Trojans in this manner.
The Gophers had 9,404 fans in attendance, creating a lively environment. Yet, as the game drew to a close, the toll of fatigue became apparent. Key players such as Cade Tyson and Bobby Durkin logged extensive minutes, with Tyson visibly exhausted toward the end of regulation and overtime.
Looking ahead, the Gophers face the Wisconsin Badgers in their next matchup. Wisconsin recently achieved a notable upset over second-ranked Michigan, adding further pressure to Minnesota as they seek to rebound from this narrow defeat. The loss denied the Gophers their chance to start Big Ten play with a 4-1 record for the first time since the 2008-09 season.
In a bright spot for the future, incoming freshman guard Cedric Tomes showcased his scoring prowess by netting 50 points in a recent high school game. “That was fun to see,” Medved said. “Ced can really score. He’s quick. He’s confident.”
As the Gophers regroup, focusing on their defensive strategies and player conditioning will be crucial for the remainder of the season. The upcoming games will test their resolve and adaptability in a competitive Big Ten landscape.
