NCAAB · Final

Penn State Edges Minnesota in Thrilling Finish

Sunday, February 1, 2026, 2:00 PM ET · Bryce Jordan Center

Penn State Nittany Lions 77, Minnesota Golden Gophers 75, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

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Quick answers

Who won Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Penn State Nittany Lions?

Penn State Nittany Lions beat Minnesota Golden Gophers 77-75 at Bryce Jordan Center on February 1, 2026.

Who was favored in Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Penn State Nittany Lions?

Minnesota Golden Gophers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -155 (about 61% implied). The underdog won.

In a tightly contested matchup, the Penn State Nittany Lions triumphed over the Minnesota Golden Gophers with a final score of 77-75 at the Bryce Jordan Center. This victory marks a significant moment for Penn State, who had been struggling with a recent record of 1-9 in their last ten games, including an eight-game losing streak. The win not only breaks that streak but also highlights the competitive nature of this fixture, as both teams entered the game with identical records of 10-12.

Throughout the game, Penn State showcased resilience, especially in the second half, where they managed to maintain a narrow lead against Minnesota. The Nittany Lions had averaged 71.3 points scored and 83.0 points allowed in their last ten games, while Minnesota had averaged 69.7 points scored and 68.8 points allowed. This game saw both teams exceed their recent scoring averages, with Penn State reaching 77 points and Minnesota scoring 75.

Penn State's recent form had been concerning, with their last five games resulting in a record of 0-5. Their scoring average during that stretch was 71.0 points, while they allowed an average of 88.6 points. Conversely, Minnesota had also been struggling, with a record of 0-5 in their last five games and an average of 67.2 points scored against 76.0 points allowed. This game was crucial for both teams as they looked to turn their fortunes around.

At home, Penn State had a record of 1-5 in their last six games, while Minnesota's away record stood at 1-3. The Nittany Lions had previously faced the Golden Gophers twice in the 2025 season, splitting the series with a win and a loss. Their most recent encounter before this game saw Penn State lose 61-69 at home on February 5, 2025, which added an extra layer of motivation for them in this matchup.

In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but both teams have been dealing with their share of challenges throughout the season. The absence of key players can often impact performance, and it is crucial for teams to adapt in such situations.

The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Minnesota favored by 2.5 points, with a total set at 142.5. The odds reflected the close nature of the matchup, indicating that both teams were seen as relatively even. The over/under odds were -115.0 for the over and -105.0 for the under, suggesting that the market anticipated a competitive scoring environment.

Conditions at the Bryce Jordan Center were typical for a college basketball game, with a charged atmosphere as fans rallied behind the home team. The excitement was palpable, and the close scoreline only heightened the intensity of the match.

As the game progressed, viewers witnessed several key plays that defined the outcome. Notably, Cade Tyson made crucial free throws that brought Minnesota within one point late in the second half. However, Penn State responded with driving layups from Freddie Dilione V and Kayden Mingo, which helped them maintain their lead. The final moments were tense, with both teams exchanging baskets, but ultimately, Penn State secured the win with Mingo's layup sealing the deal.

This fixture not only provided a thrilling finish but also showcased the determination of both teams to improve their standings. With this win, Penn State has the opportunity to build momentum as they move forward in the season, while Minnesota will need to regroup and address their ongoing struggles.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	MINN -2.5	142.5 o -115 / u -105	Minnesota Golden Gophers -155 · Penn State Nittany Lions +130

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Leaders

PointsFreddie Dilione V25Penn State Nittany Lions
AssistsKayden Mingo4Penn State Nittany Lions
ReboundsFreddie Dilione V5Penn State Nittany Lions
PointsLangston Reynolds18Minnesota Golden Gophers
AssistsLangston Reynolds7Minnesota Golden Gophers
ReboundsJaylen Crocker-Johnson7Minnesota Golden Gophers

Recent form

Penn State Nittany Lions

Last 10: 1-9Streak L871.3 scored · 83 allowed per game1-5 at home

L73-94at Northwestern WildcatsJan 30
L78-84at Ohio State BuckeyesJan 27
L71-98vs Wisconsin BadgersJan 23
L73-96at Maryland TerrapinsJan 18
L60-71vs UCLA BruinsJan 15
L85-93at Purdue BoilermakersJan 10
L72-74vs Michigan WolverinesJan 7
L65-73vs Illinois Fighting IlliniJan 4
W90-67vs North Carolina Central EaglesDec 29
L46-80vs Pittsburgh PanthersDec 21

Minnesota Golden Gophers

Last 10: 4-6Streak L669.7 scored · 68.8 allowed per game1-3 away

L63-67at Wisconsin BadgersJan 29
L57-76vs Nebraska CornhuskersJan 24
L74-82at Ohio State BuckeyesJan 20
L67-77at Illinois Fighting IlliniJan 17
L75-78vs Wisconsin BadgersJan 14
L69-70vs USC TrojansJan 10
W70-67vs Iowa HawkeyesJan 7
W84-78at Northwestern WildcatsJan 3
W60-43vs Fairleigh Dickinson KnightsDec 30
W78-50vs Campbell Fighting CamelsDec 21

Standings

Team	Overall	Games behind	In conference
Michigan	37-3	-	19-1
Nebraska	28-7	4	15-5
Michigan State	27-8	4	15-5
Illinois	28-9	4	15-5
Wisconsin	24-11	5	14-6
Purdue	30-9	6	13-7
UCLA	24-12	6	13-7
Ohio State	21-13	7	12-8
Iowa	24-13	9	10-10
Indiana	18-14	10	9-11
Minnesota	15-18	11	8-12
USC	18-14	12	7-13
Washington	16-17	12	7-13
Rutgers	14-20	13	6-14
Northwestern	15-19	14	5-15
Oregon	12-20	14	5-15
Maryland	12-21	15	4-16
Penn State	12-20	16	3-17

Box score

Stat	Minnesota Golden Gophers	Penn State Nittany Lions
Field goals	27-51	31-62
Field goal %	53	50
Three-pointers	7-27	7-18
Three-point %	26	39
Free throws	14-17	8-9
Free throw %	82	89
Rebounds	28	29
Offensive rebounds	8	12
Defensive rebounds	20	17
Assists	17	13
Steals	7	8
Blocks	7	3
Turnovers	12	10
Team turnovers	0	0
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	14	19
Fast-break points	9	5
Points in the paint	38	40
Fouls	13	18
Largest lead	1	13
Lead changes	3	3
Time in front	2	94

How the scoring went

2nd Half35-45Dominick Stewart makes driving layup
2nd Half35-46Dominick Stewart makes free throw 1 of 1
2nd Half37-46Jaylen Crocker-Johnson makes layup (Langston Reynolds assists)
2nd Half37-48Dominick Stewart makes 14-foot step back jumpshot
2nd Half39-48Langston Reynolds makes 1-foot dunk
2nd Half39-50Freddie Dilione V makes 13-foot turnaround jump shot
2nd Half42-50Isaac Asuma makes 25-foot three point jumper (Bobby Durkin assists)
2nd Half42-52Freddie Dilione V makes 17-foot pullup jump shot (Josh Reed assists)
2nd Half44-52Isaac Asuma makes layup (Langston Reynolds assists)
2nd Half46-52Langston Reynolds makes layup (Isaac Asuma assists)
2nd Half49-52Bobby Durkin makes 24-foot three point jumper (Langston Reynolds assists)
2nd Half49-55Dominick Stewart makes 24-foot three point jumper (Melih Tunca assists)
2nd Half51-55Isaac Asuma makes driving layup (Langston Reynolds assists)
2nd Half53-55Grayson Grove makes 1-foot dunk (Langston Reynolds assists)
2nd Half53-57Kayden Mingo makes driving layup (Melih Tunca assists)
2nd Half55-57Langston Reynolds makes driving layup
2nd Half55-59Kayden Mingo makes driving layup
2nd Half55-60Kayden Mingo makes free throw 1 of 1
2nd Half58-60Bobby Durkin makes 23-foot three point jumper (Cade Tyson assists)
2nd Half58-63Kayden Mingo makes 25-foot three point jumper
2nd Half58-65Dominick Stewart makes driving layup (Josh Reed assists)
2nd Half58-67Freddie Dilione V makes layup (Dominick Stewart assists)
2nd Half58-69Freddie Dilione V makes 18-foot pullup jump shot
2nd Half59-69Cade Tyson makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half60-69Cade Tyson makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half61-69Isaac Asuma makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half61-71Josh Reed makes 7-foot jumper
2nd Half62-71Cade Tyson makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half63-71Cade Tyson makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half65-71Langston Reynolds makes driving layup
2nd Half66-71Langston Reynolds makes free throw 1 of 1
2nd Half68-71Grayson Grove makes 0-foot tip in layup
2nd Half69-71Cade Tyson makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half70-71Cade Tyson makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half70-73Freddie Dilione V makes driving layup
2nd Half72-73Langston Reynolds makes driving layup
2nd Half72-75Kayden Mingo makes driving layup
2nd Half74-75Jaylen Crocker-Johnson makes driving layup
2nd Half75-75Langston Reynolds makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half75-77Kayden Mingo makes layup

Win probability

Above the line favours Penn State Nittany Lions, below favours Minnesota Golden Gophers.