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Three things to watch — Gophers vs. San Francisco at Chase CenterBattle of the bigs
Fans watching Sunday’s Gophers vs. San Francisco matchup will be treated by a battle between two of the best big men in their respective conferences.
Dawson Garcia has been on pace for a breakout junior season with the Gophers, while averaging career highs in points (18.8) and rebounds (9.0), blocks (1.4) and free-throw shooting (88.8%). The 6-11 former Prior Lake standout credited being in the best shape of his career to having a strong start individually, but he’s most interested in winning at a higher level.
The Dons are led by 6-8, 225-pound junior Jonathan Mogbo, who leads the team with 14.8 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. Mogbo has scored in double figures in all six games this season and he recorded a season-high 18 rebounds in USF’s last victory against Fort Wayne. Mogbo ranks first among West Coast Conference players this season in field goal percentage (76.5%).
The Dons have five players 6-8 or taller, but the Gophers could get a big boost in the paint if 6-9, 255-pound sophomore Pharrel Payne isn’t on a minutes restriction. Payne, who had six points and five rebounds in 10 minutes in Tuesday’s win vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff, has been nursing a foot injury.
Point guard matchup
The Gophers have a three-player attack at point guard with juniors Elijah Hawkins, Mike Mitchell Jr. and freshman Cam Christie, who combined for 32 points and 12 assists Tuesday against Pine Bluff.
Third-year coach Ben Johnson has started Hawkins at point guard in all five games this season, but Mitchell and Christie have provided a much-needed boost off the bench.
San Francisco has arguably one of the most underrated backcourts on the West Coast. Junior Marcus Williams runs the show (14.8 points and 3.0 assists per game), but he has help from talented 6-8 sophomore Mike Sharavjamts from Mongolia (averages 11.0 points and a team-high 4.5 assists). Freshman Ryan Beasley also has 30 points combined in his last two…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/gophers-men-basketball-san-francisco-220000869.html
Author : Star Tribune (Minneapolis)
Publish date : 2023-11-26 22:00:00
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