Gophers upset No. 10 Michigan State 76-73

Minnesota snaps 7-game losing streak with victory over ranked opponent

Feb. 4, 2026 at 9:23pm

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The University of Minnesota Gophers men's basketball team defeated the 10th-ranked Michigan State Spartans 76-73 at Williams Arena on Wednesday, snapping a seven-game losing streak. Minnesota got strong performances from forwards Jaylen Crocker-Johnson, who scored a game-high 22 points, and Cade Tyson, who added 17 points. The Gophers built an early lead and never trailed in the game, taking advantage of sloppy play by the Spartans, who committed 9 turnovers.

Why it matters

This upset victory is a significant win for the Gophers, who have struggled this season under first-year head coach Niko Medved. Defeating a top-10 ranked opponent could provide a much-needed boost of confidence and momentum for the team as they look to turn their season around in Big Ten play.

The details

The Gophers jumped out to a 15-5 lead early, shooting 6-of-10 from the floor. Minnesota took advantage of Michigan State's sloppy play, as the Spartans turned the ball over twice in the first two minutes and finished with 9 turnovers. Crocker-Johnson and Tyson led the Gophers' offensive effort, with Tyson's layup and ensuing free throw giving Minnesota a 58-47 lead with 7:43 remaining. The Spartans, who were coming off a loss to Michigan, were never able to take the lead.

  • The game was played on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
  • The Gophers snapped a 7-game losing streak with the victory.

The players

Jaylen Crocker-Johnson

A Gophers forward who scored a game-high 22 points in the upset victory.

Cade Tyson

A Gophers forward who added 17 points, including a key layup and free throw that gave Minnesota a 58-47 lead late in the game.

Niko Medved

The first-year head coach of the Minnesota Gophers men's basketball team.

Tom Izzo

The head coach of the Michigan State Spartans men's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Gophers will look to build on this upset victory as they continue Big Ten play. Their next game is scheduled for Saturday, February 7th against the Iowa Hawkeyes.

The takeaway

This win over a top-10 opponent could be a turning point for the Gophers, providing a much-needed boost of confidence and momentum as they aim to turn their season around in the second half of Big Ten play under first-year coach Niko Medved.