Gopher Men Drop Big 10 Opener

Dawson Garcia recorded a double-double with 18 points and a game-high 11 rebounds, and Mike Mitchell Jr. made his return to the lineup with five three-pointers during a 17-point night, but Minnesota (6-4, 0-1 Big Ten) was unable to match Michigan State’s hot shooting in a 90-72 loss to open Big Ten play at Williams Arena. Garcia’s double-double was his second this season and the 13th of his career (nine at Minnesota). Mitchell Jr., playing for the first time since injuring his ankle on Nov. 9, came off the bench to make 6-of-12 field goals, including 5-of-9 from three-point range in 22 minutes.  Lu’Cye Patterson also reached double figures with 12 points and led Minnesota with four assists. The Spartans (7-2, 1-0 B1G) had four players reach double figures, led by Coen Carr’s 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting. The Gophers are in Bloomington, Indiana on Monday night when they face the Hoosiers.