MINNEAPOLIS — On Saturday, Minnesota edged past Yale with a close score of 59-56, thanks to key performances from Dawson Garcia and Brennan Rigsby. Garcia led the scoring with 24 points, while Rigsby contributed 15 points, helping the Gophers secure their third victory in the first four games of the season for the third consecutive year.

Garcia made a crucial jump shot to equalize the game at 50 with just 4:28 remaining. Shortly after, he converted two free throw attempts to provide Minnesota a lead they would not surrender. Despite a late effort from Yale’s John Poulakidas, who brought his team within one point at 54-53 with 2:31 left on the clock, the Bulldogs struggled to close the gap further. Poulakidas finished the game with 21 points, while Isaac Celiscar added 11 points as a reserve for Yale.

Yale had a strong start, heading into halftime with a 29-19 lead, taking advantage of Minnesota’s struggles, which included an 8-of-27 shooting performance overall and a dismal 1-of-10 from three-point range. The Gophers overcame this poor start to rally in the second half, ultimately clinching the win in a tightly contested match.