The University of Minnesota Gophers men’s basketball team suffered a narrow defeat to the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans, losing 70-69 in an overtime thriller at Williams Arena on March 15, 2024. The game was marked by controversial officiating calls that drew the ire of the home crowd, leading to audible boos resonating throughout the arena during critical moments.
In the final seconds of overtime, a foul call against Gophers forward Langston Reynolds allowed USC’s Chad Baker-Mazara to step up to the free-throw line. Baker-Mazara, who ended the night with an impressive 29 points, made both free throws, sealing the game for USC. Head coach Niko Medved chose not to dwell on the officiating but instead reflected on his team’s defensive performance in that pivotal moment.
“I got to see it (again),” Medved stated postgame. “It was probably tough, but again, I’d go back to—we needed to show and try to keep him out of the lane.” Medved emphasized that the defensive lapse allowed Baker-Mazara a clear path to the basket, which was a decisive factor in the game.
As the game progressed, the Gophers faced additional challenges with foul trouble. Reynolds and fellow player Jaylen Crocker-Johnson were sidelined for critical portions of the first half due to fouls. The situation worsened when guard Isaac Asuma fouled out late in regulation, hindering Minnesota’s offensive options. “Isaac fouling out at the end really hurt us,” Medved noted, highlighting the impact of the officiating on the game’s outcome.
Despite the loss, the Gophers displayed resilience, with Cade Tyson and Bobby Durkin playing significant roles. Both players logged an exhausting 45 minutes on the court, but fatigue was evident during the final moments, including Tyson’s missed game-winning shot attempt.
The officiating drew criticism not only from the players and coaches but also from the crowd of 9,404 spectators. One fan even called out “Flopper!” at Baker-Mazara during a post-game interview with the Big Ten Network, underscoring the contentious atmosphere surrounding the officiating decisions that night. Another controversial call occurred when Asuma was penalized for a jump ball, which ultimately counted as his fifth foul, forcing him out of the game.
USC head coach Eric Musselman reflected on his return to Williams Arena, recalling his childhood memories of visiting the venue while his father, Bill Musselman, coached the Gophers in the 1970s. “I’m sure it was really cool for him, too, knowing the history of his dad,” Medved remarked, acknowledging the significance of the moment for Musselman.
Looking ahead, the Gophers will face the Wisconsin Badgers, who come off a notable upset against second-ranked Michigan. The loss to USC marked a missed opportunity for Minnesota to achieve a 4-1 start in the Big Ten for the first time since the 2008-09 season.
In a positive note for the Gophers, incoming freshman guard Cedric Tomes showcased his scoring ability, recently netting 50 points in a game for East Ridge High School. Medved expressed enthusiasm about Tomes’s potential, remarking, “That’s impressive. Ced can really score. He’s quick. He’s confident.”
As the Gophers regroup and prepare for their next matchup, they will need to focus on improving their defensive strategies and maintaining composure in high-pressure situations to achieve success in the competitive Big Ten landscape.
