Isaac Asuma scores 20 and Minnesota beats St. Thomas 76-62 in first meeting since 1934

A familiar rivalry rekindled Friday night at Williams Arena, as the Minnesota Golden Gophers defeated the University of St. Thomas 76-62. The victory marked the first meeting between the two Minneapolis-area institutions since 1934, a game steeped in local history and a welcome return for the Tommies, who rejoined Division I competition in 2021. It was the first time in the history of the Gophers’ program they played the University of St. Thomas in a Division I non-conference game. Isaac Asuma led the Gophers with 20 points, including four crucial three-pointers, while Jaylen Crocker-Johnson contributed a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. The win pushes Minnesota’s overall record against St. Thomas to 7-1, with a 1-0 advantage since the Tommies’ return to the Division I ranks.

Dominating the Court: Key Moments of the Game

Minnesota established its dominance early, fueled by a decisive 16-0 run in the first half, during which Asuma connected on all four of his three-pointers. This surge propelled the Gophers to a commanding 33-16 lead, leaving St. Thomas struggling to find their rhythm. The Tommies’ shooting woes were evident, managing just 2 of 18 field goals during that critical 11-minute stretch. Crocker-Johnson further extended the lead at the start of the second half with another three-pointer, putting Minnesota up 45-24. While St. Thomas attempted a comeback, narrowing the gap to just seven points on two occasions, the Gophers responded with a 9-0 run and then five consecutive points to maintain control. Kyan Evans’ only made three-pointer put Minnesota ahead 72-60 with three minutes left.

The Gophers' bench also proved instrumental in securing the victory. Nolan Groves contributed 15 points and three three-pointers off the bench, while Grayson Grove added 10 points and nine rebounds. For St. Thomas, Jeremy Lorenzen led the scoring with 13 points, supported by Hayden Tibbits' 12 points. The Tommies entered the game with high expectations, predicted to finish second in the Summit League this season after an 87-78 victory over Presbyterian in their opener.

A Historic Rivalry Renewed: A Look Back and What It Means

Decades of Competition

The history between Minnesota and St. Thomas extends far beyond Friday night’s contest. Prior to 1934, the two teams had met 26 times, with Minnesota holding a commanding 6-1 advantage. When the Tommies were Division III, Minnesota was 6-1 against them, dating from 1907-34. This latest matchup represented more than just a basketball game; it was a symbolic reconnection between two institutions deeply rooted in the Twin Cities’ athletic landscape. Gophers coach Niko Medved emphasized that the game was scheduled to serve the Minnesota basketball community, acknowledging that it wouldn't significantly impact Minnesota's NCAA Tournament resume. MPR News reported Medved’s comments on Thursday, highlighting the importance of in-state competition. The return of St. Thomas to Division I basketball has been a significant development for the region, creating new opportunities for competition and fan engagement. The Tommies’ program, revitalized under head coach Theo Hill, has quickly gained momentum, attracting talented players and building a dedicated following. Their predicted second-place finish in the Summit League underscores their potential and sets the stage for exciting matchups in the coming season.

Community and Tradition: More Than Just a Game

The game drew a sizable crowd to Williams Arena, eager to witness the rekindling of this historic rivalry. Fans expressed excitement about the opportunity to see the Gophers and Tommies compete at the Division I level for the first time in nearly a century. Many recognized the significance of the event for both universities and the broader Minneapolis community. While St. Thomas fans showed strong support, they acknowledged Minnesota’s superior performance on the court. The game served as a reminder of the enduring power of local rivalries and the shared history that binds these two institutions. The atmosphere in Williams Arena was electric, filled with the familiar sounds of cheering fans and the anticipation of a classic matchup. For many in attendance, it was a chance to relive memories of past games and celebrate the rich tradition of Minnesota college basketball. The Tommies, known for their strong alumni network and dedicated fanbase, brought a palpable energy to the arena, creating a vibrant and competitive environment.

Beyond the Box Score: Team Performance and Future Outlook

The Gophers improved to 99-6 against Summit League teams, showcasing their dominance in the region. Minnesota is now 2-0, following an 85-50 win over North Dakota. St. Thomas is now 1-1. The Gophers are scheduled to play at Cincinnati on Monday, November 9th, at 6:00 p.m. CT, while St. Thomas will host Green Bay on Sunday. Gophers Athletics Website provides updated schedules and results. The upcoming game against Cincinnati represents a significant challenge for the Gophers, as they face a formidable opponent from a major conference. Cincinnati, known for its strong defense and aggressive play style, will test Minnesota's resilience and offensive capabilities. For St. Thomas, the game against Green Bay provides an opportunity to bounce back from the loss to Minnesota and continue building momentum for the season. The Summit League competition promises to be highly competitive this year, with several teams vying for the top spot.

Marcus's Perspective: A Lesson in Legacy

Watching Minnesota dispatch St. Thomas on Friday night, it was striking how much the game underscored the importance of established programs and consistent commitment. The Gophers' dominance wasn’t just about talent on the court; it was about a history of success, a tradition of excellence, and a deep connection to the community. While St. Thomas is building a respectable program, rejoining Division I basketball is a long-term project. Seeing the gap in experience and institutional depth is a reminder that sustained success isn’t built overnight. It takes years of investment in coaching, recruiting, and facilities – and, crucially, a commitment to building a culture of excellence.

The Gophers' program has long been a source of pride for the state of Minnesota, consistently competing at a high level and attracting top talent. The university's commitment to basketball, evident in its state-of-the-art facilities and passionate fan base, has created a supportive environment for student-athletes to thrive. St. Thomas, on the other hand, is still establishing its identity in the Division I landscape. While the program has made significant strides in recent years, it faces the challenges of building a competitive roster and creating a winning culture from the ground up. The contrast between the two programs highlights the different paths that institutions take in pursuit of athletic excellence.

For families in Minneapolis, these games represent more than just entertainment; they're a source of pride and a reminder of the values that underpin a strong community: dedication, perseverance, and a shared sense of purpose. The Gophers’ upcoming game against Cincinnati will be a true test of their mettle, and it will be fascinating to see how they respond to that challenge. The rekindling of this rivalry also highlights the importance of local institutions playing a vital role in the fabric of our society. These games provide opportunities for families to gather, for traditions to be passed down, and for a sense of community to flourish. The City of Minneapolis website offers resources for community engagement.