The Gophers open the men's basketball season with a win over Oral Roberts and a loud effort from Dawson Garcia

In the second half, the Golden Eagles cut the lead to 38-29 early, but Fox responded again with five points in a 7-0 run. After flying in for a layup, the 6-8 Mahtomedi native received a technical foul after moving toward an opposing player. This was the last time the US momentum was stopped.

Fox left the rest of the play to Garcia. Garcia, a Prior Lake product, scored eight points during a 15-3 second-half run that put the game out of reach, including his fourth three-pointer for his 28th point. He shot 11 of 14, including 4 of 5 on threes.

Freshman Isaac Asuma of Cherry, Minn., scored his first collegiate basket with another three-pointer, scoring 10 straight Gophers points to make the score 60-36 midway through the second half.

As easy as it seemed for the Gophers to add offense through Garcia, finding the best players to surround him will still be a work in progress. The starting lineup also included Mitchell, Fox, Brennan Rigsby and Lu'Cye Patterson, who finished with 10 points.

Mitchell, who started last season in the backcourt alongside Big Ten assistant leader Elijah Hawkins, had a good showing as the team's new point guard. He finished Thursday with nine assists and just one turnover.

There were new additions from the bench that made the difference, especially winger Femi Odukale. The 6-6 transfer from New Mexico State wasn't focused on his shot, but he had six assists and four steals in his debut after missing the appearances with a minor hip injury.