Full Breakdown
Minnesota Gophers Upset No. 10 Michigan State in Thrilling Matchup
2/6/2026, 1:35:58 AM
Gophers Secure a Much-Needed Victory
The Minnesota Golden Gophers achieved a significant upset on February 4, 2026, defeating the No. 10-ranked Michigan State Spartans 76-73 at Williams Arena. This victory marked the Gophers' first win after a seven-game losing streak and their third win over a ranked opponent this season, following earlier victories against No. 22 Indiana and No. 19 Iowa.
Key Game Highlights
Minnesota jumped to an early lead, dominating the first half with a score of 32-21, largely due to effective three-point shooting and strong defensive efforts. Jaylen Crocker-Johnson led the Gophers with 22 points and seven rebounds, while Cade Tyson contributed 17 points, and Langston Reynolds added 14 points and eight assists. The Gophers maintained their lead throughout the game, even as Michigan State mounted a late comeback, narrowing the gap to just two points in the final moments.
Despite being outscored 22-9 in the last four minutes, Minnesota's composure at the free-throw line helped secure the win. Isaac Asuma's two free throws with 15 seconds remaining were pivotal in sealing the victory.
Coaching Impact and Team Morale
Head coach Niko Medved expressed pride in his team's resilience and character, emphasizing the importance of their commitment to improvement despite previous setbacks. "You can’t get tired of doing the right thing. You can’t get tired of getting better," Medved stated, highlighting the team's growth throughout the season. The Gophers' performance against Michigan State served as a testament to their potential under Medved's leadership.
Michigan State's Struggles
The Spartans, led by star guard Jeremy Fears Jr., who recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 assists, faced criticism for their lackluster performance. Fears was involved in several controversial moments during the game, including a technical foul for kicking Reynolds in the groin, which drew attention from both fans and analysts. Coach Tom Izzo acknowledged the need for Fears to mature, stating, "Jeremy's gotta grow up a little bit."
Fan Reactions and Celebrations
Following the victory, Gophers fans celebrated by storming the court, a scene reminiscent of their earlier ranked wins this season. The players also engaged in a lighthearted prank on Coach Medved in the locker room, showcasing the joy and relief that accompanied this long-awaited win.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Minnesota improved to 11-12 overall and 4-8 in Big Ten play. The Gophers will next face Maryland, while Michigan State, now 19-4 and 9-3 in the conference, will look to rebound against No. 5 Illinois. This game not only serves as a crucial turning point for Minnesota but also raises questions about Michigan State's trajectory as they navigate a challenging schedule ahead.
