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Minnesota enters 3-0 with a strong early-season statistical start. The Golden Gophers are scoring 74.7 points per game, shooting 45.5% from the field, and holding opponents to 57.8 points per game. Their 34.1% three-point shooting is solid enough to keep the floor spaced, but the bigger separator has been the defense, which has limited clean looks and helped Minnesota win comfortably without needing a high-possession game. Southern comes in 0-4 and has been far less stable on both ends. The Jaguars are averaging 60.2 points per game while allowing 87.5, with shooting numbers of 40.5% from the field and 32.3% from three. Their rebounding output of 29.5 per game is well below Minnesota’s, which is a concern against a bigger Big Ten opponent. Southern has also run into a difficult early schedule, and those results suggest the offense has had trouble sustaining efficiency once the opponent raises the level of physicality.
Minnesota should control this game from the opening stretch with its defense, rebounding, and overall efficiency advantages. Southern’s offense has struggled to keep pace against stronger teams, and Minnesota’s ability to limit scoring chances points to a game that lands below the market total. The projected final score is Minnesota Golden Gophers 78, Southern Jaguars 58, with Minnesota winning comfortably and the total staying under.
