UCLA Collapses Late as Minnesota’s Dawson Garcia Scores 32 in Upset Win

Minnesota pulled off an incredible comeback against UCLA, rallying from a 17-point deficit to win 64-61 at Pauley Pavilion. The Golden Gophers stunned the Bruins with a second-half surge, led by an unstoppable Dawson Garcia. This upset shakes up the Big Ten and raises questions about UCLA’s consistency.

Dawson Garcia Dominates Second Half

Dawson Garcia was the difference-maker. The senior forward exploded for 32 points, with 27 coming in the second half. He single-handedly outscored UCLA after halftime, carrying Minnesota on his back.

His aggressive drives, clutch shooting, and dominance in the paint broke down UCLA’s defense. Every time the Bruins tried to respond, Garcia had an answer. His performance fueled the Golden Gophers’ comeback and silenced the home crowd.

UCLA Starts Strong but Fades Late

The Bruins looked dominant early. They played aggressive defense, moved the ball well, and built a comfortable 17-point lead. Their first-half performance seemed like a statement game.

But then, everything changed.

Minnesota adjusted at halftime, ramping up their defensive pressure. UCLA’s offense stalled. Missed shots, costly turnovers, and poor execution allowed the Gophers to chip away at the lead. The momentum shifted, and the Bruins never recovered.

Final Moments: Heartbreak for UCLA

With less than a minute remaining, UCLA still had hope. They led 61-60 and needed one defensive stop.

But Minnesota’s Lu’Cye Patterson attacked the rim, finishing a tough layup to put the Gophers ahead. UCLA had one last chance to reclaim the lead, but an offensive foul ended their hopes.

Garcia then iced the game with two free throws, sealing the upset victory. The Golden Gophers celebrated a hard-fought win, while the Bruins were left stunned on their home court.

What This Means Moving Forward

Minnesota Gains Confidence

This victory is a massive boost for the Golden Gophers. Now sitting at 14-12 overall and 6-9 in Big Ten play, they have renewed momentum. If Garcia continues to perform at this level, Minnesota could surprise more teams down the stretch.

UCLA Faces Tough Questions

For UCLA, this loss raises concerns. The Bruin fall to 19-8 overall and 10-6 in the Big Ten. Their NCAA tournament hopes remain alive, but this defeat exposes weaknesses. They must regroup quickly and fix their second-half struggles before the postseason.

Looking Ahead

Minnesota will try to keep their winning streak alive when they host Penn State next. Meanwhile, UCLA needs to bounce back against a tough Big Ten opponent.

For now, this game belongs to Dawson Garcia and the Golden Gophers. A night UCLA won’t forget anytime soon.