Lu’Cye Patterson delivered an outstanding performance, scoring a season-high 25 points, while Frank Mitchell contributed significantly to Minnesota’s 69-66 triumph over USC on Saturday. Patterson converted 11 of his 13 free-throw attempts, and Mitchell recorded a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds, including six on the offensive glass. Additionally, Isaac Asuma added 12 points to help the Golden Gophers secure the victory.
Following their 69-61 victory against Penn State on February 4, Minnesota is now boasting a record of 13 wins and 12 losses, alongside a 5-9 standing in the Big Ten, marking their first consecutive road wins since 2021. In contrast, the Trojans, now with a record of 14-11 and 6-8 in their conference, saw Chibuzo Agbo and Wesley Yates III each contribute 18 points, while Desmond Claude finished with 12 points.
The game turned crucial in the closing moments when Patterson hit two free throws, putting Minnesota ahead 67-66 with just 13 seconds on the clock. USC’s next offensive possession ended in chaos as Claude lost the ball out of bounds while attempting to drive towards the basket with only 4.1 seconds remaining. In a last-ditch effort, USC was forced to foul Patterson, who made another pair of free throws. After calling a timeout, Yates attempted to initiate a play but slipped to the floor after a few dribbles, resulting in the clock running out.
USC initially held a commanding 24-10 lead in the first half and led 38-29 at halftime. Rashaun Agee’s tip-in extended their lead to 45-35 with 15:45 remaining in the game. However, things took a turn during the next crucial minutes, particularly after Claude was sidelined due to foul trouble, allowing the Golden Gophers to rally back and outscore USC 18-7. Mitchell’s tip-in with 7:16 left marked a pivotal moment as it gave Minnesota their first lead of the game at 53-52.
Looking ahead, Minnesota remains in Los Angeles for their next matchup against UCLA on Tuesday, while USC is set to travel to take on 25th-ranked Maryland on Thursday.
