The Gophers men’s basketball team suffered arguably its worst nonconference loss under coach Ben Johnson on Wednesday, but players remained steadfast on being able to bounce back.
Senior Dawson Garcia knows what feeling dejected is like after playing on a 9-22 Minnesota squad in 2022-23. The Gophers’ 54-51 loss against North Texas was ugly at times.
“This is my third locker room since I’ve been around the U of M,” said Garcia, who had 24 points. “I’m inspired, honestly. There have been times like in the first year, you’re like ‘Man’ and still show up the next day. But I’m inspired with this roster and this team.”
Playing without starting guard Mike Mitchell Jr., the Gophers were abysmal offensively Wednesday in the first half, scoring only 14 points on 14% shooting from the field. They overcame an 11-point deficit, but Garcia didn’t have enough help down the stretch to escape their first loss against a non-high major team at home since 2015.
The Gophers (2-1) haven’t lost back-to-back home games against non-high major opponents since the 8-23 season under Richard Pitino in 2015-16.
“You want to be able to learn through wins, obviously,” said Johnson, in his third season. “Even in a loss, we’ve got to be able to find a way to take a step. With new guys and new situations, it’s so key to just continue to take those steps. It’s huge because obviously these games are going to keep coming.”
Coming off a 19-win NIT team season, Johnson returned only two starters and four players after mass transfer portal losses. Six players were dealing with injuries or illness this week, including five listed out or questionable on the Big Ten’s availability report Wednesday.
The biggest injury loss is to Mitchell Jr., the team’s best three-point shooter and facilitator. He’s out because of an ankle sprain for at least another week. Backcourt depth is now an issue with seniors Tyler Cochran (foot) and Caleb Williams (sick) also sidelined indefinitely.
