The Minnesota Gophers fell to Southern California in a tightly contested overtime game, losing 70-69 at Williams Arena on March 15, 2024. The defeat was marked by contentious officiating, particularly a foul call against Gophers guard Langston Reynolds in the closing moments of overtime, which led to crucial free throws for Southern California’s Chad Baker-Mazara.
As the game drew to a close, the atmosphere in The Barn was charged, with many fans expressing their dissatisfaction with the referees’ decisions. The boos crescendoed when Reynolds was called for a foul with just 10 seconds left in the extra period. Baker-Mazara capitalized on the opportunity, converting both free throws to not only tie the game but also secure the win for his team.
Despite the controversial call, Gophers head coach Niko Medved focused on his team’s defensive lapses rather than blaming the officiating. “I got to see it again,” he stated in the postgame 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 positioning, noting that the clear path to the basket allowed Baker-Mazara, who scored 29 points, to excel in that moment.
The Gophers faced significant challenges throughout the game, including foul troubles that sidelined key players. With Jaylen Crocker-Johnson out for the final ten minutes of the first half and Reynolds missing the last eight, the team struggled to maintain its momentum. Additionally, Isaac Asuma fouled out late in regulation after being involved in another contentious call that led to his fifth foul. Medved acknowledged the impact of Asuma’s absence, stating, “Isaac fouling out at the end really hurt us. Another guy who can make a shot. I thought that was a big play.”
The Gophers also had to cope with injuries to two season-long starters, Chansey Willis and Robert Vaihola, further complicating their strategy. This situation placed increased responsibility on players like Cade Tyson and Bobby Durkin, who both logged 45 minutes on the court. Medved noted the fatigue evident in Tyson’s late-game performance, particularly as he attempted several game-winning shots that ultimately fell short.
USC head coach Eric Musselman, returning to The Barn for the first time since his childhood, reflected on the significance of the matchup, recalling his father’s legacy as the Gophers’ head coach. “I’m sure it was really cool for him, too, knowing the history of his dad, getting an opportunity to be back here and coach in the Big Ten,” Medved remarked.
The Trojans employed a defensive strategy that allowed them to sag off shooters like Reynolds and Grayson Grove, focusing instead on limiting Minnesota’s inside scoring opportunities. Musselman humorously noted during a postgame interview that he had been warned by his mother not to let the Gophers beat his team.
Looking ahead, the Gophers will face Wisconsin on March 19, 2024, who come off a recent victory against second-ranked Michigan. With the loss to Southern California, Minnesota missed a chance to start Big Ten play with a 4-1 record for the first time since the 2008-09 season.
In other news, incoming Gophers freshman guard Cedric Tomes recently made headlines by scoring 50 points in a high school game. Medved expressed excitement about Tomes’ potential, stating, “That was fun to see. Ced can really score. He’s quick. He’s confident.”
As the Gophers navigate their remaining games, they will need to address their defensive strategies and focus on player performance to turn the tide in their favor. The challenges of the season continue to mount, but Medved remains committed to his team’s growth and development.
