MINNEAPOLIS (Interstat) — The Minnesota Golden Gophers will look to get back to .500 on the season when they host the struggling Texas Southern Tigers in a nonconference men’s basketball matchup Sunday at Williams Arena. Minnesota (5-5) enters the contest seeking consistency after a 57-85 road loss to Purdue on Wednesday. The Golden Gophers have alternated wins and losses over their last six games. A primary bright spot has been the play of Belmont transfer Cade Tyson, who has been a model of durability and scoring punch. Tyson has played 36 minutes or more in seven of ten games, averaging 19.9 points per contest. He scored 15 points with four assists against the Boilermakers and had 29 points in a loss to Santa Clara on Nov. 28. Texas Southern (1-6) arrives in Minneapolis following a challenging early-season schedule that included road games at Gonzaga, Texas A&M and Vanderbilt. The Tigers’ lone victory was a 102-44 rout of Biblical Stud. on Nov. 26. They are coming off a 70-82 home loss to Sam Houston on Dec. 6. Guard Bryce Roberts leads the Tigers, posting 14 points and four assists in that loss and 15 points in the win over Biblical Stud. Forward Troy Hupstead, who had 18 points against Sam Houston, provides an interior presence. For Minnesota, this game represents a critical opportunity to build momentum before a brief holiday break and the start of Big Ten Conference play in January. The Golden Gophers have defended their home court well against non-power conference opponents, with wins over Green Bay, Chicago State and Gardner-Webb at The Barn. Texas Southern, a perennial power in the SWAC, will aim to use its tough early slate as preparation for conference action. However, slowing down Tyson and navigating a hostile road environment will be a significant challenge for a team allowing 84.7 points per game. The game is scheduled for a 2 p.m. CST tip-off. Following this contest, Minnesota will host Campbell on Dec. 21, while Texas Southern travels to face North Carolina State on Dec. 17.