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Golden Gophers Claim First Win Over Ranked Foe Since 2019 as Trojans Suffer Third Straight Loss

Photo by USC Media Team

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — In a nail-biting Big Ten showdown at Williams Arena in Minneapolis on January 11, 2026, the Minnesota Golden Gophers overcame a 13-point deficit to edge the No. 21 USC Trojans 63-62. Grace Grocholski poured in 25 points for Minnesota, while Sophie Hart added 15, helping the Gophers improve to 12-4 overall and 3-2 in conference play. For USC, Kara Dunn erupted for 27 points and Jazzy Davidson contributed 21, but it wasn’t enough as the Trojans fell to 10-6 (2-3 Big Ten). Minnesota dominated the boards 40-32, including an 18-6 edge in offensive rebounds that led to a staggering 23-2 advantage in second-chance points. The Gophers also forced 17 USC turnovers for 16 points, overcoming their own lower shooting efficiency (36.9% FG vs. USC’s 44%) to claim the upset.

Game Flow

Minnesota jumped out early but USC surged in the second quarter, only for the Gophers to claw back in the second half with timely runs. Here’s the quarter-by-quarter breakdown:

First Quarter: The Gophers opened with a 10-0 run, fueled by strong paint presence (10 of 18 points inside), and led 18-10. USC struggled initially, missing opportunities to counter Minnesota’s hot start.

Second Quarter: USC flipped the script with a 19-0 run sparked by Jazzy Davidson’s three-pointer, building a 32-23 lead that grew to 34-25. Minnesota answered with a late 5-0 spurt, including a bucket from Sophie Hart, to trim it to 34-30 at halftime.

Third Quarter: The Trojans pushed to a 45-32 advantage on another Davidson three, but Minnesota responded with a game-changing 14-0 run—10 points from Grocholski—to grab a 46-45 lead. USC regained a slim 48-46 edge entering the final period.

Fourth Quarter: Minnesota tied it at 50-50 before a 6-0 run capped by Grocholski’s three gave them a 56-50 lead. USC’s seven turnovers proved costly, as the Gophers scored eight points off them. Dunn’s late heroics, including eight points in the last 31 seconds and a buzzer-beating three, brought USC within one, but Minnesota held on at the free-throw line (6-12 in the quarter).

Clutch Performances & Key Moments

Grace Grocholski was unstoppable for Minnesota, dropping 25 points on 10 field goals (including five threes), grabbing eight rebounds, and adding three steals—key in the third-quarter 14-0 run where she scored 10. Sophie Hart chipped in 15 points and six rebounds, while Mara Braun hauled in a game-high 10 rebounds with two blocks. For USC, Kara Dunn’s 27 points included all 14 of the Trojans’ fourth-quarter output, with a frantic eight-point flurry in the final 31 seconds nearly stealing the win. Jazzy Davidson added 21 points and eight rebounds, igniting USC’s second-quarter surge. Pivotal moments included Minnesota’s offensive rebounding dominance (18 boards for 23 second-chance points) and forcing 17 USC turnovers, with seven in the fourth leading to the decisive edge. This marked Minnesota’s first victory over a ranked opponent since 2019.

Photo by USC Media Team

What This Means for USC & Minnesota

For USC, the heartbreaking defeat extends their skid to three, dropping them to 2-3 in Big Ten play and exposing vulnerabilities in ball security (17 turnovers) and rebounding battles. As a ranked team, this loss could dent their poll position and underscores the need for better late-game execution in a grueling conference.

For Minnesota, this comeback win is a program-defining moment, boosting them to 3-2 in the Big Ten and injecting confidence as they prove capable of toppling ranked foes after years without such a triumph. It highlights their resilience and defensive grit, potentially sparking a climb up the conference standings. 

What to Watch

For USC, monitor how they address turnover issues (seven in the fourth alone) and defensive rebounding lapses. Dunn’s clutch scoring (27 points, 14 in Q4) and Davidson’s all-around play (21 points, eight rebounds) will be crucial for a rebound, especially with their efficient three-point shooting (45.2%).

Keep an eye on Minnesota’s rebounding prowess (40 total, 18 offensive here), which could be a game-changer in upcoming matchups if they maintain that intensity. Grocholski’s scoring (25 points, five threes) and the Gophers’ ability to force turnovers (17 from USC) signal a team hitting stride. 

Up Next for USC

The Trojans return home to face Maryland on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 6:00 PM PT in Galen Center, looking to snap their losing streak against another tough Big Ten opponent.

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— Kris Chaney, Women’s Basketball Journalist