Shorthanded Gophers Defeat UCLA in Thriller

Minnesota's six-player rotation delivers another impressive win.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 4:39am

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Despite playing with just a six-man rotation, the Minnesota Golden Gophers defeated the UCLA Bruins 78-73 in a high-scoring affair at the Barn on Saturday. Forward Bobby Durkin led the way for the Gophers, scoring 23 points and hitting seven three-pointers, while guard Langston Reynolds added 21 points on efficient 8-for-14 shooting.

Why it matters

The Gophers' ability to win games with such a limited roster has been a remarkable feat this season, showcasing the team's depth, discipline, and coaching from Niko Medved. This victory over a talented UCLA squad further demonstrates Minnesota's potential to make noise in the Big Ten and potentially earn a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

The details

The Gophers and Bruins both shot the ball extremely well in the first half, with Minnesota connecting on 53.8% of its field goals and 66.7% of its three-pointers. Durkin was the catalyst, hitting his first four three-point attempts. UCLA star Tyler Bilodeau gave the Gophers' defense fits, scoring 16 first-half points on his way to a game-high 32. However, Minnesota's unselfish style of play, evidenced by 24 assists on 29 made field goals, proved to be the difference in the end.

  • The game was played on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at the Barn in Minneapolis.

The players

Bobby Durkin

A former Davidson transfer who has emerged as a key contributor for the Gophers, scoring 23 points and hitting seven three-pointers in the win over UCLA.

Langston Reynolds

A Gophers guard who finished with 21 points on 8-for-14 shooting, showcasing his efficient finishing ability around the rim.

Tyler Bilodeau

The leading scorer for UCLA, who poured in 32 points but was unable to lead the Bruins to victory.

Niko Medved

The Gophers' head coach, who has implemented a selfless, team-first style of play that has allowed Minnesota to thrive despite its limited roster.

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What they’re saying

“Bobby Durkin has begun to find his groove at the Big Ten level, and Saturday was one of his best performances of the season.”

— TONY LIEBERT

What’s next

The Gophers will look to build on this impressive win as they continue their push for a spot in the NCAA Tournament, with key Big Ten matchups against ranked opponents looming on the schedule.

The takeaway

Minnesota's ability to win games with just a six-player rotation has been a remarkable feat this season, showcasing the team's depth, discipline, and coaching. This victory over a talented UCLA squad further demonstrates the Gophers' potential to make noise in the Big Ten and potentially earn a spot in the NCAA Tournament.