Minnesota Upsets UCLA in Thrilling Finish
Saturday, February 28, 2026, 2:00 PM ET · Williams Arena
Minnesota Golden Gophers 78, UCLA Bruins 73, 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 UCLA Bruins vs Minnesota Golden Gophers?
Minnesota Golden Gophers beat UCLA Bruins 78-73 at Williams Arena on February 28, 2026.
Who was favored in UCLA Bruins vs Minnesota Golden Gophers?
UCLA Bruins were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -125 (about 56% implied). The underdog won.
The Minnesota Golden Gophers pulled off an impressive upset against the UCLA Bruins, winning 78-73 at Williams Arena. This victory is significant for Minnesota, who had struggled recently, with a record of 14-15 for the season. In contrast, UCLA entered the game with a much stronger record of 19-10, showcasing the competitive nature of college basketball.
Minnesota's recent form has been a rollercoaster ride. Over their last ten games, they have managed only three wins against seven losses, currently on a one-game losing streak. Their scoring average during this stretch has been 67.2 points per game, while they have allowed an average of 69.3 points. In their last five games, they scored an average of 65.4 points, indicating a dip in offensive performance. Their home record stands at 2-2 in the last ten games, which is a stark contrast to their away record of 1-5.
UCLA, on the other hand, has been in better form lately, winning seven of their last ten games and currently riding a two-game winning streak. They have averaged 77.6 points during this stretch, while allowing 74.9 points. Their last five games have seen them score an average of 73.6 points, with a home record of 6-1 and an away record of 1-2, highlighting their stronger performance on home court.
In their previous meeting earlier in the season, Minnesota managed to defeat UCLA 64-61 on February 19, 2025. This win added to the intrigue of their rematch, as Minnesota aimed to prove that their earlier victory was not a fluke.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but the impact of injuries can often play a significant role in the outcome of games, especially in a sport as dynamic as basketball.
The betting lines from DraftKings indicated UCLA as a slight favorite with a spread of 1.5 points. The total for the game was set at 136.5, with odds of -115.0 for the over and -105.0 for the under. Minnesota's money line was listed at 105.0, while UCLA's was at -125. These odds reflected the expectations of a close contest, which ultimately came to fruition.
Conditions at Williams Arena were conducive for a competitive game, and fans were treated to a thrilling contest. As the game progressed, several key scoring plays defined the outcome. In the second half, Tyler Bilodeau made crucial free throws, while Langston Reynolds and Bobby Durkin contributed with important jumpers and three-pointers that helped Minnesota maintain their lead.
As the game neared its conclusion, UCLA fought hard to close the gap, with Skyy Clark hitting a long three-pointer to bring the score to 73-70. However, Minnesota responded effectively, with Bilodeau and Durkin sealing the game with free throws to secure the 78-73 victory.
This game showcased the resilience of the Minnesota Golden Gophers, who managed to overcome their recent struggles and deliver a strong performance against a higher-ranked opponent. The outcome serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of college basketball, where any team can rise to the occasion on any given night.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UCLA -1.5 | 136.5 o -115 / u -105 | UCLA Bruins -125 · Minnesota Golden Gophers +105 |
Leaders
- PointsBobby Durkin23Minnesota Golden Gophers
- AssistsGrayson Grove7Minnesota Golden Gophers
- ReboundsIsaac Asuma6Minnesota Golden Gophers
- PointsTyler Bilodeau32UCLA Bruins
- AssistsDonovan Dent15UCLA Bruins
- ReboundsTyler Bilodeau8UCLA Bruins
Recent form
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Last 10: 3-7Streak L167.2 scored · 69.3 allowed per game2-2 at home
- L67-77at Michigan WolverinesFeb 25
- W80-61vs Rutgers Scarlet KnightsFeb 21
- W61-44at Oregon DucksFeb 18
- L57-69at Washington HuskiesFeb 15
- L62-67vs Maryland TerrapinsFeb 8
- W76-73vs Michigan State SpartansFeb 5
- L75-77at Penn State Nittany LionsFeb 1
- L63-67at Wisconsin BadgersJan 29
- L57-76vs Nebraska CornhuskersJan 24
- L74-82at Ohio State BuckeyesJan 20
UCLA Bruins
Last 10: 7-3Streak W277.6 scored · 74.9 allowed per game1-2 away
- W81-62vs USC TrojansFeb 25
- W95-94vs Illinois Fighting IlliniFeb 22
- L59-82at Michigan State SpartansFeb 18
- L56-86at Michigan WolverinesFeb 14
- W77-73vs Washington HuskiesFeb 8
- W98-66vs Rutgers Scarlet KnightsFeb 4
- L97-98vs Indiana HoosiersJan 31
- W73-57at Oregon DucksJan 29
- W71-64vs Northwestern WildcatsJan 24
- W69-67vs Purdue BoilermakersJan 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 | UCLA Bruins | Minnesota Golden Gophers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 29-57 | 29-50 |
| Field goal % | 51 | 58 |
| Three-pointers | 10-24 | 12-23 |
| Three-point % | 42 | 52 |
| Free throws | 5-6 | 8-9 |
| Free throw % | 83 | 89 |
| Rebounds | 30 | 20 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 2 |
| Defensive rebounds | 20 | 18 |
| Assists | 27 | 24 |
| Steals | 3 | 4 |
| Blocks | 0 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 6 | 3 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 6 | 5 |
| Fast-break points | 5 | 2 |
| Points in the paint | 24 | 28 |
| Fouls | 12 | 8 |
| Largest lead | 8 | 9 |
| Lead changes | 8 | 8 |
| Time in front | 37 | 48 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half39-33Isaac Asuma makes driving layup (Langston Reynolds assists)
- 1st Half39-35Isaac Asuma makes driving layup
- 1st Half39-38Bobby Durkin makes 24-foot three point jumper (Grayson Grove assists)
- 1st Half41-38Eric Dailey Jr. makes 14-foot jumper (Skyy Clark assists)
- 1st Half41-40Cade Tyson makes driving layup (Isaac Asuma assists)
- 2nd Half41-43Bobby Durkin makes 24-foot three point jumper (Grayson Grove assists)
- 2nd Half43-43Eric Dailey Jr. makes 16-foot jumper (Skyy Clark assists)
- 2nd Half43-45Langston Reynolds makes driving layup
- 2nd Half46-45Skyy Clark makes 24-foot three point jumper (Donovan Dent assists)
- 2nd Half48-45Eric Dailey Jr. makes 20-foot jumper (Trent Perry assists)
- 2nd Half50-45Eric Dailey Jr. makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Donovan Dent assists)
- 2nd Half50-47Isaac Asuma makes 10-foot jumper (Cade Tyson assists)
- 2nd Half50-49Cade Tyson makes driving layup (Grayson Grove assists)
- 2nd Half51-49Skyy Clark makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-51Langston Reynolds makes driving layup (Grayson Grove assists)
- 2nd Half53-51Tyler Bilodeau makes layup (Donovan Dent assists)
- 2nd Half53-54Cade Tyson makes 22-foot three point jumper (Langston Reynolds assists)
- 2nd Half55-54Tyler Bilodeau makes 16-foot jumper (Jamar Brown assists)
- 2nd Half55-57Isaac Asuma makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot (Grayson Grove assists)
- 2nd Half55-59Isaac Asuma makes 11-foot floating jump shot (Bobby Durkin assists)
- 2nd Half57-59Tyler Bilodeau makes 1-foot dunk (Skyy Clark assists)
- 2nd Half59-59Tyler Bilodeau makes layup (Eric Dailey Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half59-61Langston Reynolds makes layup (Grayson Grove assists)
- 2nd Half61-61Tyler Bilodeau makes 8-foot step back jumpshot (Donovan Dent assists)
- 2nd Half61-62Cade Tyson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-63Cade Tyson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-65Isaac Asuma makes 12-foot floating jump shot (Grayson Grove assists)
- 2nd Half61-67Cade Tyson makes driving layup (Isaac Asuma assists)
- 2nd Half64-67Eric Dailey Jr. makes 26-foot three point jumper (Skyy Clark assists)
- 2nd Half64-69Langston Reynolds makes driving layup (Isaac Asuma assists)
- 2nd Half64-71Cade Tyson makes 14-foot jumper
- 2nd Half66-71Tyler Bilodeau makes layup (Donovan Dent assists)
- 2nd Half67-71Tyler Bilodeau makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half67-73Langston Reynolds makes 10-foot jumper
- 2nd Half70-73Skyy Clark makes 26-foot three point jumper (Donovan Dent assists)
- 2nd Half70-76Bobby Durkin makes 24-foot three point jumper (Langston Reynolds assists)
- 2nd Half72-76Tyler Bilodeau makes layup (Eric Dailey Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half73-76Tyler Bilodeau makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half73-77Bobby Durkin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-78Bobby Durkin makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Minnesota Golden Gophers, below favours UCLA Bruins.
Venue
- Williams ArenaMinneapolis, MN
- Attendance9811
- OfficialsVerne Harris, Andy O'Brien, Randy Richardson
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond