Minnesota Gophers Face Trojans in Friday Night Showdown
The Minnesota Gophers basketball team is set to face the Southern California Trojans in a highly anticipated Friday night game. This matchup takes place at Williams Arena, with tip-off scheduled for 7:33 p.m. and broadcasted on BTN.
Game Context
This game marks the eighth meeting between the two teams, with the Gophers leading the series 5-2. In their last head-to-head encounter on February 25, 2025, Minnesota emerged victorious with a narrow 69-66 win. The Gophers are currently on a hot streak, aiming for their sixth consecutive victory after recently defeating No. 19 Iowa 70-67.
Recent Performance
- Current Record: Minnesota holds a record of 10-5 with a 3-1 mark in Big Ten play.
- Last Game Highlights: Langston Reynolds scored a season-high 22 points against Iowa.
- Home Court Advantage: The Gophers are undefeated at home this season, boasting a 9-0 record at Williams Arena.
Key Players
Cade Tyson has been instrumental for Minnesota, averaging 21.7 points per game, ranking second in the Big Ten. He has consistently scored in double figures throughout the season, including several 20-plus point performances.
Langston Reynolds is also contributing significantly, averaging 17.5 points and 17 assists over the past few games. Isaac Asuma is another crucial player, averaging 14 points per game.
Team Statistics
- Assist Percentage: Minnesota leads the nation with a remarkable assist percentage of 75.4%.
- Scoring Defense: The Gophers are allowing an average of 65.8 points per game, ranking them fourth in the Big Ten.
- Free-Throw Performance: Their free-throw attempt rate is currently 46.5%, placing them among the top teams nationally.
About the Southern California Trojans
The Trojans enter this game with a 12-3 record, although they have faced challenges recently, including losses to ranked opponents Michigan and Michigan State. USC’s roster has been impacted by the absence of leading scorer Rodney Rice, who is out for the season with an injury.
Chad Baker-Mazara is stepping up as the top scorer in Rice’s absence, averaging 19.3 points per game. The Trojans average 85.3 points per game while allowing 77, with their scoring offense ranking fourth in their league.
Upcoming Schedule
Following this clash with USC, Minnesota will host Wisconsin on January 13 at 6 p.m., continuing their home stretch.