A second-half Minnesota surge led the Golden Gophers to a 59-56 win over Yale at Williams Arena before 8,205 fans Saturday.
The Bulldogs had led by as many as 14 (25-11) in the first half and held a 29-19 halftime lead.
Minnesota came out far more aggressively in the second half and spread the floor effectively. The hosts also made a concerted effort to get the ball to preseason All-Big Ten senior forward Dawson Garcia. Garcia registered 19 second-half points after managing only five in the first half.
“We are bending but not breaking,” Minnesota coach Ben Johnson said.