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Garcia has been playing lately like the player who some analysts predicted would be an All-Big Ten candidate. In the past four games he's averaging 16.3 points, six rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.3 blocks, and shooting 51%. Battle's been in double figures in four of the last five games, but his scoring average (17.5 to 12.9) is still down from a season ago.
Chemistry between Garcia, Battle, point guard Ta'Lon Cooper and the four freshmen in the rotation is a work in progress. The 12-day break between games allowed the Gophers to get more practice time to build more confidence as a unit.
"There are times when we struggled," Battle said. "But there are times when we played really well. I think it's just learning from all of it."
Offense in particular has been an issue for the Big Ten's lowest-scoring team (63.4). That could change soon if Battle and Garcia can both have success and create more opportunities for everyone else.
"To both of those guys' credit, they haven't complained one bit," Johnson said. "They both have been dealing with stuff that a lot of times can be really frustrating. It's been pleasant to see that every day their drive and their attitude has been what it is."
Chemistry between Garcia, Battle, point guard Ta'Lon Cooper and the four freshmen in the rotation is a work in progress. The 12-day break between games allowed the Gophers to get more practice time to build more confidence as a unit.
"There are times when we struggled," Battle said. "But there are times when we played really well. I think it's just learning from all of it."
Offense in particular has been an issue for the Big Ten's lowest-scoring team (63.4). That could change soon if Battle and Garcia can both have success and create more opportunities for everyone else.
"To both of those guys' credit, they haven't complained one bit," Johnson said. "They both have been dealing with stuff that a lot of times can be really frustrating. It's been pleasant to see that every day their drive and their attitude has been what it is."
Jamison Battle, Dawson Garcia tandem key to Gophers' Big Ten hopes
Garcia and Battle struggled with consistency earlier this season, but they've combined for 32 points in each of the past two wins.
m.startribune.com