MINNEAPOLIS — In a closely contested matchup on Monday night, Dawson Garcia played a pivotal role in leading the Minnesota Golden Gophers to a narrow 68-65 victory over Central Michigan. Garcia achieved a double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds, showcasing his skills particularly in the final moments when he successfully made 5 of 6 free throws to secure the win for his team.

Garcia demonstrated his clutch shooting by sinking a crucial three-pointer with just over three minutes remaining in the game, extending Minnesota’s lead to four points at 59-55. Central Michigan’s Jakobi Heady quickly responded with a deep three of his own, bringing the score closer as his team trailed by just one. However, Lu’Cye Patterson then regained a four-point advantage for the Gophers with another three-pointer, only for Heady to trim the deficit with a layup.

In the closing moments, Garcia converted four consecutive free throws, putting Minnesota ahead by six. Though Kyler Vanderjagt managed to score a free throw for the Chippewas and Drew Barbee followed with a three-pointer with 18 seconds left, reducing the gap to just two points, the Gophers clinched the win by making 3 of 6 free throws in the final seconds of play.

Garcia’s free-throw performance contributed to his team’s overall success at the line, despite Minnesota shooting only 58.8% (10 of 17) during the game. Patterson was another standout for the Gophers, finishing with 19 points and three assists after hitting 4 of 9 from three-point range. On the other side, Ugnius Jarusevicius emerged as the leading scorer for Central Michigan with 17 points, having made all his attempts from beyond the arc, while Heady tallied a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds.

As the season unfolds, both teams exhibit promise, with Minnesota now holding a record of 5-1 and Central Michigan sitting at 3-3.