It was supposed to be the moment that turned the season around. The Barn was shaking, the fans were deafening, and for about four seconds, it felt like the University of Minnesota had finally solved the Wisconsin puzzle. Then, John Blackwell happened.
What Was the U of Minnesota Basketball Score Tonight?
If you missed the ending, I’m sorry to be the one to tell you: Wisconsin 78, Minnesota 75.
This wasn’t just a regular loss. It was a "stare at the ceiling for three hours" kind of loss. The Gophers (10-7, 3-3 Big Ten) clawed back from a double-digit second-half deficit, eventually tying the game on a massive three-pointer from Cade Tyson with only 5 seconds left on the clock. Williams Arena went absolutely nuclear. You could barely hear the whistle.
But the Badgers didn't blink. John Blackwell took the inbounds, raced down the floor, and pulled up for a three that looked true the second it left his fingertips. Swish. Buzzer. Silence.
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Breaking Down the Box Score
The numbers tell a story of a game that the Gophers probably felt they should have won, especially after leading 35-28 at the half.
- Jaylen Crocker-Johnson: 20 points, 8 rebounds. He was a force inside all night.
- Isaac Asuma: 17 points, 9 rebounds. The freshman continues to look like the real deal.
- Cade Tyson: 14 points, including that "would-be" heroic tying shot.
- Langston Reynolds: 12 points, 10 assists. A rare point-assist double-double for the senior.
For Wisconsin, the thorn in the side wasn't just Blackwell (who finished with a game-high 27). It was former Gopher Braeden Carrington. Carrington, who transferred out of the program, returned to Minneapolis and drained seven triples for 21 points. Hearing the boos every time he touched the ball clearly didn't rattle him; if anything, it seemed to fuel him.
Why the Gophers Let It Slip
Honestly, it came down to a 14-0 run by Wisconsin in the second half. Minnesota had an 11-point lead at 41-30, and the momentum was firmly in their corner. Then, the shots stopped falling.
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Wisconsin capitalized on Minnesota’s lack of timeouts at the end. Coach Niko Medved mentioned after the game that he wished he could have set his defense for that final play, but the cupboard was bare. Kai Shinholster did his best to contest Blackwell’s final shot, but sometimes great offense just beats good defense.
This marks the 10th straight loss for the Gophers against the Badgers. It’s a streak that dates back to February 2020. For a rivalry this deep, that's a tough pill to swallow for the Maroon and Gold faithful.
Current Big Ten Standings Impact
This loss drops Minnesota to .500 in conference play. In a year where Nebraska and Purdue are looking like juggernauts at the top of the standings, every home game in the Big Ten is precious. Giving one away to your border rival at the buzzer is the kind of result that can haunt a team come Selection Sunday in March.
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The Gophers are now sitting in the middle of the pack. They've shown they can play with anyone—remember that win over #19 Iowa just a week ago?—but they haven't quite figured out how to close out these high-pressure, late-game scenarios.
What’s Next for Minnesota?
There isn't much time to pout. The schedule doesn't get any easier.
- Saturday, Jan 17: The Gophers head to Champaign to take on #13 Illinois. That’s a hostile environment where the "U of Minnesota basketball score" will be even harder to keep close.
- Tuesday, Jan 20: Another road test against Ohio State.
- Saturday, Jan 24: They return home to face the currently undefeated #8 Nebraska Cornhuskers.
If you're a Gopher fan, you're looking for Isaac Asuma to keep growing. He’s becoming the engine of this offense. Also, keep an eye on the health of the rotation; they played the starters heavy minutes tonight, and fatigue could be a factor heading into a tough road stretch.
The talent is there. The grit is there. But until they can stop 14-0 runs and defend the final five seconds, they'll be stuck in the "what if" category of the Big Ten.
Check the official Gopher Sports site for updated ticket info if you're planning on heading to the Barn for the Nebraska game—it's likely to be another sellout.