Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Fairleigh Dickinson Knights Picks and Predictions December 21st 2024

Minnesota Looks to Rebound Against Fairleigh Dickinson in Minneapolis

After a challenging two-week stretch, Minnesota (6-5) will return to the court on Saturday afternoon, aiming to snap a two-game losing streak when they host Fairleigh Dickinson (4-9).

Gophers Seek Consistency

Minnesota enters the matchup eager to move past a pair of tough Big Ten losses: a 90-72 blowout at home against Michigan State on Dec. 4, followed by an 82-67 defeat at Indiana on Dec. 9.

Golden Gophers forward Parker Fox emphasized the team’s hunger to turn the page.

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“These last 10 days have been tough,” Fox said. “But we’ve been learning a lot about how hard it is to win.”

Head coach Ben Johnson is calling for a sustained effort from his team.

“We play hard in glimpses, but we don’t play hard long enough,” Johnson said. “When we stick to our scheme on offense and defense, good things happen. When we don’t, there’s a big gap between our success and failure.”

Minnesota is led by Dawson Garcia, who averages 19.3 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. Lu’Cye Patterson and Mike Mitchell Jr. provide additional scoring support, each contributing 10 points per game.

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FDU’s Homecoming Hero

Fairleigh Dickinson is looking to break out of its own slump, having lost five of its last six games, including a 77-72 defeat at La Salle on Wednesday.

The game will be a special one for FDU guard Terrence Brown, who is returning to his hometown of Minneapolis. Brown, a Columbia Heights High School standout, is averaging 22.1 points per game, ranking eighth in Division I.

“As a team, we’re just coming in to show we belong and we’re fearless,” Brown said. “It means everything to me to play in front of everybody I know and put the FDU jersey on back in my home state.”

Brown will have help from teammates Dylan Jones, who averages 12 points and shoots 43.2 percent from beyond the arc, and Jo’el Emanuel, who adds 11 points per game.

Key Matchups

1. Dawson Garcia vs. FDU’s Interior Defense
   Garcia’s ability to dominate inside will be a focal point. If FDU can slow him down, the Knights may have a chance to keep the game close.
2. Terrence Brown vs. Minnesota’s Perimeter Defense
   Returning to his home state, Brown will look to put on a show. Minnesota must contain his scoring to avoid an upset.
3. Rebounding Battle
   Minnesota has struggled on the boards in recent losses, and FDU will need to capitalize to create second-chance opportunities.

What to Watch

Both teams are hungry for a win, but for different reasons. Minnesota is looking to reestablish itself after two humbling losses, while FDU hopes to prove it can compete on the road against a power conference opponent.

Terrence Brown’s return adds an emotional storyline, and his performance could be the key to FDU pulling off a surprise victory. Meanwhile, Minnesota will focus on executing consistently to end the skid and build momentum heading into the heart of the season.