Gophers Prepare for Crucial Match Against USC in L.A.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The University of Minnesota men’s basketball team is set to face the University of Southern California on February 15 at 3 p.m. CT, marking their first matchup as Big Ten Conference rivals. This game follows a challenging loss to then-No. 23 Illinois and will be an important test for the Golden Gophers as they seek to regain momentum on the road.

In their last contest, Minnesota fell to Illinois 95-74, where the Illini shot a staggering 73 percent in the second half. The Gophers led by forward Dawson Garcia, who scored 24 points, and guard Jamison Battle, who added 22 points. Despite the loss, their performance showed promise, as they tied their season-low with just three turnovers.

This matchup will be the seventh meeting between Minnesota and USC, with the Gophers holding a 4-2 all-time advantage. Their last encounter occurred on December 8, 2012, when Minnesota secured a 71-57 victory behind a balanced scoring effort.

The game is significant not only for its immediate standings but also as part of a two-game stretch against new Big Ten teams. Minnesota previously defeated Oregon on January 25 and lost to Washington on February 1, which marks their ongoing adjustment to the conference’s expansion to 18 teams this season.

Southern California, coming off a 92-67 victory over Penn State, has a season record of 14-10 and stands at 6-7 in Big Ten play. The Trojans feature a balanced attack with five players averaging double-digit points, spearheaded by Desmond Claude, who averages 16.2 points per game.

USC’s strength lies in their shooting efficiency, with the fourth-best field goal percentage in the Big Ten at 48.4 percent. They also excel in assists, showcasing teamwork as they have accumulated 102 assists as a team.

“We need to be focused and play tough defense to combat their offensive capabilities,” said Minnesota coach Ben Johnson. “Every possession will count, and we need to capitalize on our opportunities.”

The Gophers aim to build on their earlier success against USC and are motivated to secure a crucial win, especially after their prior setback. Their next game will be against UCLA on February 18, providing another opportunity for growth and adjustment in the competitive landscape of Big Ten basketball.

Listeners can catch the game broadcast on Big Ten Network, with play-by-play commentary by Guy Haberman and analysis from Don MacLean, with concurrent radio coverage on KFAN 100.3 FM featuring Mike Grimm and Al Nolen.