In a dramatic overtime encounter, the Minnesota Gophers suffered a narrow defeat to the Southern California Trojans, losing 70-69 on March 15, 2024, at Williams Arena. The game was marked by contentious officiating, particularly in the closing moments, where fans expressed their frustration vocally.
With just 10 seconds remaining in overtime, a foul call against Gophers player Langston Reynolds on Chad Baker-Mazara proved pivotal. Baker-Mazara converted both free throws, which ultimately secured the win for USC. Despite the controversial call, Gophers head coach Niko Medved opted to focus on his team’s defensive performance rather than the officiating.
“I need to see it again,” Medved stated in the postgame news conference. “It was probably tough, but I’d go back to the defensive setup; we needed to prevent him from getting into the lane.” He noted that the high ball screen set for Baker-Mazara allowed for an easy path to the basket, a mistake that the Gophers could not afford in such a critical moment.
Baker-Mazara, who finished with an impressive 29 points, capitalized on the opportunity presented to him. Medved acknowledged that the Gophers needed a stronger defensive response, especially in high-pressure situations. “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 in the paint.”
The Gophers faced additional challenges during the game, as they were without key players due to foul trouble and injuries. Isaac Asuma fouled out with just under four minutes left in regulation, which Medved described as a significant blow. “Isaac fouling out at the end really hurt us. He’s another guy who can make a shot,” he said.
As the game progressed, the pressure mounted. The Gophers played the final ten minutes of the first half without Jaylen Crocker-Johnson and the last eight minutes without Reynolds due to foul issues. Cade Tyson and Bobby Durkin were heavily relied upon, each logging 45 minutes in the game. By the end, Tyson appeared fatigued, which affected his shot attempts in the crucial final moments.
The atmosphere at Williams Arena was electric, with a crowd of 9,404 expressing their displeasure at various officiating decisions throughout the game. One fan even called out “Flopper!” at Baker-Mazara during a post-game interview, reflecting the sentiment of many Gophers supporters.
In a lighter moment, USC head coach Eric Musselman remarked on his return to The Barn, recalling his childhood experiences when his father was the Gophers’ head coach. “I’m sure it was really cool for him, knowing the history of his dad, getting an opportunity to be back here and coach in the Big Ten,” Medved noted.
Musselman’s strategy during the game involved a more relaxed defensive approach towards Reynolds and Grayson Grove, opting not to closely guard them beyond the arc. This decision aimed to disrupt Minnesota’s ability to create open shots in the paint. Musselman jokingly mentioned that his mother advised him not to let the Gophers defeat the Trojans in that manner, indicating the rivalry’s ongoing nature.
Looking ahead, the Gophers are set to face the Wisconsin Badgers, who recently upset second-ranked Michigan, on March 19, 2024. With the loss to USC, Minnesota missed a chance to begin their Big Ten season with a 4-1 record for the first time since the 2008-09 season.
Adding to the excitement, incoming freshman guard Cedric Tomes recently scored 50 points in a high school game, showcasing his scoring potential. “That was fun to see,” Medved commented. “Ced can really score. He’s quick. He’s confident.”
As the Gophers regroup for their next challenge, they will need to bolster their defense and adapt to the evolving dynamics of Big Ten play.
