Rebounding Oregon prepares to host sluggish Minnesota

The Ducks look to build on a rare win as they face the struggling Golden Gophers

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Oregon, coming off a rare win that snapped a 10-game losing streak, will host Minnesota in a Big Ten Conference matchup on Tuesday night. The Ducks (9-16, 2-12 Big 10) are looking to create a small bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season filled with injuries and inconsistency, while the Golden Gophers (11-14, 4-10) have also dealt with key absences and poor shooting performances.

Why it matters

This game represents an opportunity for Oregon to build some momentum and potentially string together consecutive wins for the first time in over a month and a half. Meanwhile, Minnesota is hoping to regroup after a tough loss and get back on track in conference play.

The details

Oregon is coming off an 83-72 win at home against Penn State on Saturday, which snapped their 10-game losing streak. Ducks coach Dana Altman said the victory likely took a weight off the shoulders of his players, who have endured a trying season filled with injuries and inconsistency. Minnesota, meanwhile, is dealing with its own injury issues, as it's unclear if key starter Jaylen Crocker-Johnson will be able to return from a foot injury to play against Oregon. The Golden Gophers are also looking to bounce back from a 69-57 loss at Washington on Saturday, in which they struggled with poor shooting and too many turnovers.

  • Oregon and Minnesota will tip off on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
  • Oregon snapped a 10-game losing streak with a win over Penn State on Saturday, February 15, 2026.

The players

Dana Altman

The head coach of the Oregon Ducks men's basketball team.

Jaylen Crocker-Johnson

A key starter for the Minnesota Golden Gophers men's basketball team who is dealing with a foot injury.

Niko Medved

The head coach of the Minnesota Golden Gophers men's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“The guys were feeling it. It had been a long six weeks, that's for sure.”

— Dana Altman, Head Coach, Oregon Ducks (statenews.net)

“We had a poor shooting night and we had too many live-ball turnovers. We have high-character guys. We just have to regroup. This is what life throws at you. We have to respond.”

— Niko Medved, Head Coach, Minnesota Golden Gophers (statenews.net)

What’s next

It is uncertain whether Jaylen Crocker-Johnson will be able to return from his foot injury to play against Oregon.

The takeaway

Both Oregon and Minnesota have faced significant challenges this season, with injuries and inconsistency hampering their performances. This game represents an opportunity for the Ducks to build on a rare win and potentially string together consecutive victories, while the Golden Gophers hope to regroup and get back on track in conference play.