Minnesota Golden Gophers Face Morgan State in Nonconference Finale

The Minnesota Golden Gophers are wrapping up their nonconference schedule this Sunday afternoon with a home game against the Morgan State Bears. For Minnesota, this is the last tune-up before diving into Big Ten action, starting with a tough matchup against No. 21 Purdue. On the other side, Morgan State is looking to shake off a rough patch and find some momentum before its conference season kicks into gear.

Minnesota: Building Momentum for Big Ten Play

The Gophers (7-5) are aiming to end 2024 on a high note. They’ve relied heavily on their star player, Dawson Garcia, who’s been nothing short of dominant this season. Garcia leads Minnesota in scoring with 19.2 points per game and adds 7.3 rebounds per contest. He’s shooting efficiently, hitting 49.7% of his shots from the field, 85% from the free-throw line, and 31.8% from beyond the arc.

As opponents focus on slowing Garcia down, head coach Ben Johnson sees this as an opportunity for other players to step up. “Teams are always going to guard Dawson differently,” Johnson said. “When you get two on the ball, you can kick it out and create an advantage.”

Mike Mitchell Jr. has been a reliable second option for the Gophers, averaging 11.6 points per game. Lu’Cye Patterson is contributing 10 points per game, while Parker Fox adds 6.8 points per contest.

Morgan State: Searching for Consistency

The Bears (6-9) have hit a tough stretch, losing seven of their last 10 games, including a 99-72 loss to No. 3 Iowa State. Despite these struggles, Morgan State boasts a balanced offensive attack.

Wynston Tabbs leads the team with 16.1 points per game on 45.9% shooting from the field. Amahrie Simpkins adds 12.7 points per game, while Will Thomas and Kameron Hobbs are averaging 12.1 and 10.7 points, respectively.

Defensively, the Bears need to tighten up. Head coach Kevin Broadus has emphasized the importance of discipline, particularly when it comes to avoiding unnecessary fouls.

Key Matchups to Watch

Dawson Garcia will be the focal point of Minnesota’s offense. How Morgan State defends him—and how Minnesota’s supporting cast responds—could play a big role in determining the outcome. The Bears’ balanced scoring gives them multiple options, but they’ll need a strong defensive performance to keep things competitive.

Morgan State must address its foul trouble and defensive lapses, while Minnesota needs to maintain focus and avoid looking ahead to its Big Ten opener against Purdue.

A Look Back

This is just the second time these programs have met. The first matchup, back in 2009, saw Minnesota cruise to a dominant 94-64 victory.

What’s at Stake

For Minnesota, this game offers a chance to polish their game plan and build confidence heading into Big Ten play. For Morgan State, a strong showing—even without a win—could help them find some rhythm and morale before their conference schedule begins.

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Final Thoughts

Minnesota’s depth, home-court advantage, and Dawson Garcia’s strong play make them the clear favorites. However, if Morgan State can improve their defensive discipline and find their offensive rhythm, they might make things interesting.

For the Golden Gophers, this game is about setting the tone for the challenges ahead in the Big Ten. For the Bears, it’s an opportunity to learn, regroup, and reset for the season’s next phase.