Golden Gophers Look to Rebound Against Texas Southern at Williams Arena
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The Minnesota Golden Gophers (5-5) aim to bounce back from a recent loss as they host the Texas Southern Tigers (1-6) on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 12:01 p.m. CST at Williams Arena in Minneapolis. The game will be televised on the Big Ten Network and broadcast on the Gopher Radio Network via KFAN 100.3 FM.
Gophers Seek to Regain Momentum After Purdue Setback
Minnesota is looking to regain its footing after an 85-57 defeat at the hands of No. 6 Purdue on Wednesday. Despite trailing by only three points at halftime, the Boilermakers surged ahead with a 21-9 run in the second half, ultimately securing the victory. Jaylen Crocker-Johnson led the Gophers in scoring with 17 points, while Cade Tyson added 15 and Langston Reynolds contributed 11. Crocker-Johnson’s performance included a career-high four three-pointers and nine attempts from beyond the arc.
The Gophers had previously split their opening two Big Ten contests, defeating Indiana on Dec. 3 before falling to Purdue. Currently, of the 18 teams in the Big Ten, 12 have completed their initial pair of conference games, with only Purdue and UCLA boasting undefeated records. Seven teams, including Minnesota, have split their results, while Northwestern, Oregon, and Rutgers remain winless in league play.
Tyson Shines as Offensive Force for Minnesota
Cade Tyson continues to be a standout performer for Minnesota, currently averaging 21.1 points per game. This figure places him tied for third in the Big Ten and 13th nationally in scoring. He has amassed 211 points this season, ranking second in the conference and 13th in the nation. Tyson also leads the Big Ten in both free throws made (73) and free throw attempts (93).
Texas Southern Faces Tough Competition
Texas Southern enters Sunday’s matchup with a 1-6 record, having faced a challenging schedule that included matchups against Gonzaga, Texas A&M, and Vanderbilt. The Tigers secured their first win of the season against Biblical Study (Texas) with a decisive 102-44 victory, but suffered a narrow 93-90 overtime loss to Samford earlier in the year. Coaches’ preseason polls predicted a fifth-place finish for Texas Southern in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).
Tigers Rely on Balanced Scoring Attack
The Tigers boast four players averaging double-digit points per game. Troy Hupstead leads the team with 15.8 points and 8.3 rebounds, also leading in field goals, attempts, and three-pointers. Zaire Hayes and Duane Posey contribute 10.2 and 10 points, respectively, with Hayes earning a Preseason All-SWAC Second Team selection. Jaylen Wysinger currently leads the team with 12 assists.
Texas Southern averages 73.7 points per game but allows an average of 86.7. They shoot 44.1% from the field and 33.1% from three-point range, averaging 33.9 rebounds per game.
Series History and Upcoming Schedule
This marks the second meeting between Minnesota and Texas Southern, with the first contest being vacated. It is the first time head coach Niko Medved will face the Tigers in his coaching career. Minnesota holds a perfect 14-0 record against current teams in the SWAC.
Following the game against Texas Southern, the Gophers will continue their three-game homestand on Dec. 21, hosting Campbell at 5 p.m. CST.
