Shorthanded Gophers Grind Out Road Win at Oregon

Minnesota defeats Oregon 61-44 with just six available players

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The Minnesota Gophers men's basketball team was able to grind out a 61-44 road victory over the Oregon Ducks on Tuesday night, despite being severely shorthanded with just six players available. Grayson Grove had a career-high 13 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals, while Isaac Asuma led the team with 15 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists.

Why it matters

This win is an impressive accomplishment for the Gophers, who were missing key players due to injury. Their ability to win on the road with such a limited roster showcases the team's resilience and depth, which could pay dividends later in the season.

The details

With starting forward Jaylen Crocker-Johnson out with a foot injury, the Gophers relied heavily on redshirt freshman Grayson Grove, who stepped up with a dominant performance on both ends of the floor. Grove limited Oregon big man Nate Bittle to just 15 points, while also recording a career-high in points, rebounds, assists and steals. Isaac Asuma also continued his strong play, scoring 15 points to lead the team.

  • The game took place on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • Jaylen Crocker-Johnson has missed the last two games due to a foot injury.

The players

Grayson Grove

A redshirt freshman forward for the Minnesota Gophers, who had a career-high performance in the win over Oregon.

Isaac Asuma

A returning player from last season's Gophers team, Asuma led the team with 15 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists.

Nate Bittle

The starting center for the Oregon Ducks, who was limited to just 15 points by the Gophers' defense.

Jaylen Crocker-Johnson

A starting forward for the Minnesota Gophers who missed the last two games due to a foot injury.

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What they’re saying

“Grayson Grove's improvement throughout the season has been crucial for us, especially with Jaylen out. He really stepped up tonight on both ends of the floor.”

— Ben Johnson, Minnesota Gophers Head Coach

“We knew it was going to be a grind-it-out type of game, and the guys really battled and executed the game plan to perfection.”

— Ben Johnson, Minnesota Gophers Head Coach

What’s next

The Gophers will look to build on this road win as they continue their Pac-12 conference schedule. Their next game is at home against the USC Trojans on Saturday, February 22nd.

The takeaway

The Gophers' ability to grind out a road victory with just six available players showcases the team's resilience and depth. Grayson Grove's breakout performance and Isaac Asuma's continued leadership are promising signs for Minnesota as they look to make a push in the Pac-12 standings.