Minnesota’s formidable offense, riding a six-game winning streak, gears up for a clash with Maryland in Minneapolis on Sunday. With a record of 11-3 (2-1 Big Ten), the Golden Gophers have been fueled by a quartet of double-digit scorers.
Notably, Dawson Garcia leads the charge with an impressive 17.2 points per game and a remarkable 84.1 percent success rate at the free-throw line. Joshua Ola-Joseph, another key forward, contributes 10.7 points, while guards Mike Mitchell Jr. and Cam Christie add 11.8 and 10.5 points, respectively.
In their recent victory against Michigan, these four players combined for 45 points, with Elijah Hawkins emerging as the X-factor, delivering 14 points and seven assists.
Hawkins, a Howard transfer, boasts 7.7 assists per game, ranking second in Division I. Coach Ben Johnson acknowledges Hawkins’ pivotal role, stating, “He’s a big factor of why we’re being successful right now.” The Golden Gophers, averaging 81.2 points per game during their winning streak, face Maryland’s stingy defense.
The Terrapins, with a record of 9-5 (1-2), have held opponents to an average of 63.6 points and have not allowed more than 76 points in a game this season. Notably, they limited No. 1 Purdue to their lowest point total this season, despite facing offensive challenges.
Maryland’s offensive struggles were evident in their 67-53 loss to Purdue, where they shot only 33.3 percent from the field and 22.7 percent from 3-point range. Coach Kevin Willard expressed frustration with the team’s shooting performance, noting, “I don’t know how much more we can do when you get a wide-open shot.”
Jahmir Young, averaging 19.8 points and 3.8 assists, leads Maryland, which has a history of success against the Golden Gophers, having won their last 10 matchups. As the potent offense of Minnesota collides with Maryland’s resilient defense, the outcome of this matchup remains uncertain.
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