Isaac Asuma scored a career-high 23 points to lead the Minnesota Golden Gophers to a 91-61 victory over Southern University at The Barn by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota on Nov. 12, according to [University of Minnesota Athletics].
The Gophers player shot 9 of 14 from the field, including 4 of 8 from 3-point range, while adding six assists and five rebounds. The win moves Minnesota to 4-0 on the young season, marking the program’s best start since winning their first seven games in 2021-22.
Minnesota shot 60 percent as a team, making 33 of 55 field goal attempts. It is the first time the Gophers have hit the 60 percent threshold in a game since making 30 of 50 in a home win versus Rutgers on Feb. 21, 2026, University of Minnesota Athletics reported.
Gophers Dominate Inside and on Glass
Four other Gophers finished in double figures alongside Asuma. Bobby Durkin contributed 15 points, six assists, and four rebounds, while Kyan Evans added 10 points, six assists, and four rebounds. Malick Kordel chipped in 10 points and five boards.
Jaylen Crocker-Johnson also scored 10 points and grabbed five rebounds, reaching a career milestone of 1,000 career points.
As a team, Minnesota distributed 28 assists on 33 made field goals, representing an 84.8 percent assist rate.
The Gophers dominated inside and on the glass, holding a 40-21 rebounding advantage and outscoring the Jaguars 36-24 in the paint. Southern University, a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, was led by Daniel Dormu and Justin Page with 12 points apiece, while Lionel Larvadain III added 10 points.
Gophers Launch 14-0 Surge to Lead
Southern briefly claimed a 10-8 lead in the first half following a 6-0 run. Minnesota answered immediately with a 14-0 surge sparked by Kordel and Asuma to seize control at 27-12.
After the Jaguars trimmed the margin to 27-20, the Gophers launched a 19-4 run before halftime.
Durkin hit two 3-pointers during the stretch, sending Minnesota into the locker room with a commanding 46-26 lead.
The hosts maintained a comfortable advantage throughout the second half, stretching the lead as high as 36 points before head coach Niko Medved cleared his bench. Thirteen players saw action for Minnesota, with 10 players finding the scoring column.
Upcoming Matchups
| Statistic | Minnesota Gophers | Southern Jaguars |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 91 | 61 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 33-55 | Not reported |
| 3-Point Percentage | 13-27 | Not reported |
| Free Throw Percentage | 12-18 | Not reported |
| Rebounds | 40 | 21 |
| Assists | 28 | Not reported |
The Gophers return to home to wrap up this two-game homestand against Western Illinois. The Gophers and Leathernecks are set for a 7:00 p.m. CST tipoff on Monday, Nov. 16, on Big Ten Network, according to University of Minnesota Athletics.