Sports

Garcia‘s double-double, backup Rigsby boost Minnesota past Penn St. 69-61

Oregon Minnesota Basketball
Minnesota forward Dawson Garcia reacts after missing a shot during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Oregon, Jan. 25, 2025, in Minneapolis.
Abbie Parr/AP

Dawson Garcia scored 19 points and grabbed 14 rebounds. Reserve Brennan Rigsby scored 14 points and Minnesota pulled away from Penn State at the end for a 69-61 win on Tuesday night.

Rigsby was perfect shooting going 5 for 5 including 2 for 2 from 3-point range and made both of his foul shots. Lu’Cye Patterson added 14 point for the Golden Gophers (12-11, 4-8 Big Ten), who snapped a two-game losing streak.

Reserve D’Marco Dunn led Penn State (13-10, 3-9) with 18 points. Ace Baldwin Jr. and Zach Hicks each scored 11 points and Nick Kern Jr. 10.

Kern’s two free throws with 9:04 remaining marked the Nittany Lions’ last lead at 46-44 because on Minnesota's ensuing possession, Mike Mitchell made a 3-pointer for a one-point advantage.

Patterson made two foul shots and Rigsby made a 3 for a 52-46 advantage. Dunn’s layup with 6:44 remaining reduced Penn State’s deficit to 52-48 but the Nittany Lions never got closer.

Penn State’s has lost four straight and eight of its last nine

Minnesota next plays Saturday when it hosts 23rd-ranked Illinois. Penn State travels to UCLA to play the Bruins on Saturday.

Dear reader,

Your voice matters. And we want to hear it.

Will you help shape the future of Minnesota Public Radio by taking our short Listener Survey?

It only takes a few minutes, and your input helps us serve you better—whether it’s news, culture, or the conversations that matter most to Minnesotans.

Volume Button
Volume
Now Listening To Livestream
MPR News logo
On Air
As It Happens with Chris Howden