Garcia scores 14 points to lead Minnesota over SC Upstate 67-53
Minnesota guard Braeden Carrington (4) and forward Dawson Garcia (3) celebrate after a Minnesota basket during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against USC Upstate, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Minneapolis. Credit: AP/Abbie Parr
MINNEAPOLIS — Dawson Garcia scored 14 points and Minnesota defeated South Carolina Upstate 67-53 on Saturday.
The Spartans' Trae Broadnex tied the game at 31-all with a bucket to open the second half but two free throws by Elijah Hawkins restored a lead that the Golden Gophers (3-1) would keep.
Trailing by 11, the Spartans (2-3) got within six points with 4 1/2 minutes left on a six-point run capped by Miguel Ayesa's 3-pointer. But Minnesota outscored SC Upstate 10-1 the rest of the way with Garcia scoring the final six points on a three-point play then a 3-pointer with 23 seconds remaining.
Garcia was 6-of-12 shooting with six rebounds. Minnesota shot 40% and helped themselves at the free-throw line, hitting 16 of 19.
SC Upstate's Justin Bailey scored 14 points, Broadnex had 13 and Ahmir Langlais scored 12 along with eight rebounds. The Spartans shot 34%.
SC Upstate plays at Ball State and Minnesota is host to Arkansas-Pine Bluff in games Tuesday.
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USC Upstate guard Miguel Ayesa, center left, and Minnesota guard Cam Christie, center right, battle for the ball during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Minneapolis. Credit: AP/Abbie Parr
