NCAAB · Final/OT

USC Trojans Edge Minnesota Golden Gophers in Overtime

Friday, January 9, 2026, 8:30 PM ET · Williams Arena

USC Trojans 70, Minnesota Golden Gophers 69, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

Next free pick (not the main pick)

The next free pick, for your email

Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.

Unlock today's pick in Telegram →

or by email

Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick

One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.

Get the daily free pick · See plans

Quick answers

Who won USC Trojans vs Minnesota Golden Gophers?

USC Trojans beat Minnesota Golden Gophers 70-69 at Williams Arena on January 9, 2026.

Who was favored in USC Trojans vs Minnesota Golden Gophers?

Minnesota Golden Gophers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -170 (about 63% implied). The underdog won.

In a thrilling matchup at Williams Arena, the USC Trojans narrowly defeated the Minnesota Golden Gophers with a final score of 70-69 after overtime. This game was particularly noteworthy as it marked the first meeting between these two teams in the current season, with USC now holding a 1-0 advantage in their head-to-head record. The Trojans entered the game with a strong away record of 13-3, while the Golden Gophers had a home record of 10-6.

Minnesota showcased impressive recent form, winning five consecutive games leading up to this clash, with an average of 76.2 points scored and 58.2 points allowed in their last five outings. Their home record stood at 5-2, indicating a solid performance on their home court. In contrast, USC had been struggling recently, losing their last two games, including a significant defeat against Michigan State, where they scored only 51 points. Despite their recent struggles, the Trojans had a strong overall away record of 3-2.

The game was tightly contested throughout, reflecting the competitive nature of both teams. Minnesota's scoring average of 71.9 points per game and defensive average of 67.5 points allowed per game highlighted their balanced approach. On the other hand, USC's average of 80.7 points scored and 76.8 points allowed per game indicated a more offensive-minded strategy.

The matchup was closely followed by betting markets, with DraftKings setting the odds with Minnesota favored by 3.5 points. The total points line was set at 147.5, with the over at -105.0 and the under at -115.0. The moneyline offered Minnesota at -170.0 and USC at 142.0, reflecting the perceived strength of the home team.

In terms of conditions, the game was played indoors at Williams Arena, providing a controlled environment for both teams to showcase their skills. This venue has historically been a challenging place for visiting teams, adding to the significance of Minnesota's home advantage.

Injuries were not mentioned in the provided facts, suggesting that both teams were likely at full strength for this crucial game. The absence of key players can often influence the outcome, but in this instance, both squads appeared to field their best lineups.

As the game unfolded, it was evident that both teams had moments of brilliance. Minnesota's Cade Tyson made crucial free throws in the second half to keep the game competitive, while USC's Jaden Brownell hit a significant three-pointer in overtime to give his team a lead. The back-and-forth scoring in the extra period kept fans on the edge of their seats, with the lead changing hands multiple times.

Ultimately, USC's ability to execute in clutch moments, particularly through free throws by Chad Baker-Mazara, proved decisive. His two free throws in overtime sealed the victory for the Trojans, showcasing their resilience and determination in a tightly contested matchup.

This game not only highlighted the competitive spirit of college basketball but also set the stage for potential future encounters between these two programs. With both teams showing flashes of brilliance, fans can look forward to more exciting matchups as the season progresses.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	MINN -3.5	147.5 o -105 / u -115	USC Trojans +142 · Minnesota Golden Gophers -170

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

Leaders

PointsCade Tyson20Minnesota Golden Gophers
AssistsIsaac Asuma6Minnesota Golden Gophers
ReboundsCade Tyson8Minnesota Golden Gophers
PointsChad Baker-Mazara29USC Trojans
AssistsChad Baker-Mazara8USC Trojans
ReboundsEzra Ausar9USC Trojans

Recent form

Minnesota Golden Gophers

Last 10: 6-4Streak W571.9 scored · 67.5 allowed per game5-2 at home

W70-67vs Iowa HawkeyesJan 7
W84-78at Northwestern WildcatsJan 3
W60-43vs Fairleigh Dickinson KnightsDec 30
W78-50vs Campbell Fighting CamelsDec 21
W89-53vs Texas Southern TigersDec 14
L57-85at Purdue BoilermakersDec 11
W73-64vs Indiana HoosiersDec 4
L75-86at Santa Clara BroncosNov 29
L68-72vs Stanford CardinalNov 28
L65-77vs San Francisco DonsNov 22

USC Trojans

Last 10: 7-3Streak L280.7 scored · 76.8 allowed per game3-2 away

L51-80at Michigan State SpartansJan 6
L66-96at Michigan WolverinesJan 3
W102-63vs UC Santa Cruz Banana SlugsDec 21
W97-70vs UTSA RoadrunnersDec 18
W68-61vs Washington State CougarsDec 15
W94-81at San Diego TorerosDec 10
L76-84vs Washington HuskiesDec 6
W82-77at Oregon DucksDec 3
W88-75at Arizona State Sun DevilsNov 26
W83-81vs Seton Hall PiratesNov 25

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	USC Trojans	Minnesota Golden Gophers
Field goals	25-57	24-62
Field goal %	44	39
Three-pointers	6-21	12-35
Three-point %	29	34
Free throws	14-17	9-15
Free throw %	82	60
Rebounds	42	33
Offensive rebounds	15	15
Defensive rebounds	27	18
Assists	18	19
Steals	7	8
Blocks	6	3
Turnovers	16	11
Team turnovers	3	1
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	14	6
Fast-break points	7	9
Points in the paint	34	22
Fouls	14	16
Largest lead	13	4
Lead changes	14	14
Time in front	68	23

How the scoring went

2nd Half36-30Chad Baker-Mazara makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half37-30Chad Baker-Mazara makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half39-30Chad Baker-Mazara makes 13-foot pullup jump shot
2nd Half41-30Chad Baker-Mazara makes 1-foot dunk
2nd Half41-32Isaac Asuma makes 19-foot pullup jump shot
2nd Half43-32Jacob Cofie makes layup (Chad Baker-Mazara assists)
2nd Half43-35Langston Reynolds makes 25-foot three point jumper (Isaac Asuma assists)
2nd Half43-37Cade Tyson makes 5-foot jumper (Isaac Asuma assists)
2nd Half43-38Langston Reynolds makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half45-38Kam Woods makes driving layup (Gabe Dynes assists)
2nd Half48-38Chad Baker-Mazara makes 26-foot three point jumper (Ryan Cornish assists)
2nd Half48-40Jaylen Crocker-Johnson makes layup
2nd Half50-40Ryan Cornish makes driving layup
2nd Half53-40Jacob Cofie makes 23-foot three point jumper (Kam Woods assists)
2nd Half53-43Bobby Durkin makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jaylen Crocker-Johnson assists)
2nd Half55-43Chad Baker-Mazara makes driving layup
2nd Half55-46Bobby Durkin makes 23-foot three point jumper (Isaac Asuma assists)
2nd Half55-48Langston Reynolds makes layup
2nd Half56-48Ezra Ausar makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half56-50Langston Reynolds makes 9-foot jumper (Bobby Durkin assists)
2nd Half57-50Jacob Cofie makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half58-50Jacob Cofie makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half58-52Langston Reynolds makes 0-foot tip in layup
2nd Half60-52Jacob Cofie makes 9-foot jumper (Chad Baker-Mazara assists)
2nd Half60-53Cade Tyson makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half60-54Cade Tyson makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half60-56Langston Reynolds makes 1-foot dunk
2nd Half61-56Ezra Ausar makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half62-56Ezra Ausar makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half62-59Cade Tyson makes 26-foot three point jumper (Kai Shinholster assists)
2nd Half62-61Jaylen Crocker-Johnson makes 2-foot dunk (Cade Tyson assists)
2nd Half62-62Cade Tyson makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half62-63Cade Tyson makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half63-63Gabe Dynes makes free throw 2 of 2
OT66-63Jaden Brownell makes 24-foot three point jumper (Kam Woods assists)
OT66-66Cade Tyson makes 24-foot three point jumper (Langston Reynolds assists)
OT68-66Ezra Ausar makes 8-foot jumper (Chad Baker-Mazara assists)
OT68-69Jaylen Crocker-Johnson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Kai Shinholster assists)
OT69-69Chad Baker-Mazara makes free throw 1 of 2
OT70-69Chad Baker-Mazara makes free throw 2 of 2