Gophers men’s basketball blows out Bethune-Cookman 79-62 with Big Ten plan next

The Gophers men’s basketball team needed a win — any win.

Coming off consecutive losses to Wichita State and Wake Forest in the ESPN Events Invitational in Orlando this week, Minnesota returned home and beat Bethune-Cookman 79-62 on Sunday at Williams Arena.

The Gophers (6-3) required the palate cleanser between the multi-team event in Florida and two upcoming Big Ten games: Michigan State at The Barn on Wednesday and at Indiana next Monday.

The Gophers were 16-point favorites over Bethune-Cookman (2-6), which was picked to finish eighth in the 12-team Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) this season. Minnesota has fallen 12 spots in the KenPom rankings this week, but were miles ahead of Bethune Cookman (279).

After the Gophers led by 17 points in the first half, Bethune-Cookman cut it to 38-34 early in the second half. Minnesota coach Ben Johnson called a timeout, had some stern words for his players and subbed out Frank Mitchell.

The Gophers came out getting touches for Dawson Garcia and went on a 10-0 run to make it 48-34 with 15 minutes left. That put the game out of reach.

Garcia, who had a combined 12 points in two games in Florida, poured in 23 points on 8-of-15 shooting, with five rebounds and four assists.

Brennan Rigsby shook off an ankle injury against the Demon Deacons and kept his spot in the starting five, contributing 14 points.

The Gophers led 38-26 at the half, feasting down low with an 18-10 advantage in points in the paint. Garcia had 10 points, and backup center Trey Edmond had nine, including an emphatic dunk.

The U had 24 assist on 28 field goals, with Garcia and Asuma leading the way with four assists each.

Starting point guard Mike Mitchell (ankle), listed as questionable to play against Bethune-Cookman on Sunday, did not return to the lineup Sunday.

Caleb Williams returned from mononucleosis and joined walk-ons in the game during the final minute. He hit the final 3-pointer.