Dawson Garcia Dominates with 30 Points in Minnesota's Opener
- Dawson Garcia scored 30 points, leading Minnesota to an 80-57 win over Oral Roberts.
- The Gophers established a substantial lead, dominating the first half.
- This victory marks a hopeful start for Minnesota, aiming for a winning season.
On November 6, 2024, in Minneapolis, Dawson Garcia led the Minnesota Gophers to an 80-57 victory against Oral Roberts in both teams' season opener. The Gophers established a significant lead early in the game, with Garcia scoring 18 points in the first half alone. Despite a brief rally by Oral Roberts, which narrowed the score to 38-29, Minnesota quickly regained control and extended their advantage to 17 points by the midpoint of the second half. The Gophers' defense held Oral Roberts to not scoring consecutive baskets in the final 15 minutes. Alongside Garcia, Parker Fox contributed 13 points, while Lu’cye Patterson added 10. This win is pivotal for Minnesota as they aim to reach at least 20 wins this season, a milestone not achieved in the previous three years under coach Ben Johnson. The team is trying to build on its previous season's record of 19-15, working to further improve their standing in the Big Ten conference.