MINNEAPOLIS (Interstat) — The Minnesota Golden Gophers look to continue their home-court momentum when they host the struggling Fairleigh Dickinson Knights in a nonconference men’s basketball matchup Monday at Williams Arena. Minnesota (7-5) enters the contest on a two-game winning streak, including a 78-50 rout of Campbell on Dec. 21. The Golden Gophers have relied on the hot hand of transfer guard Cade Tyson, who averaged 31 points over his last two games. Tyson erupted for 38 points and 11 rebounds in a win over Texas Southern on Dec. 14 and followed with 24 points against Campbell. “When he’s in rhythm, he changes our entire offensive ceiling,” Minnesota head coach Ben Johnson said of Tyson. “We need him to be aggressive.” Fairleigh Dickinson (3-9) seeks to snap a two-game skid after a 61-72 loss at Boston College on Dec. 22. The Knights have faced a challenging early schedule, with all nine losses coming against high-major or regional opponents. Guard Joey Niesman has been a steady facilitator, dishing 15 assists over the last two games, but scoring consistency has been an issue for the team. The Knights’ three victories have come against lower-division opponents Lehman and Manor, along with Saint Elizabeth. They have lost by an average of 19.2 points in their nine defeats. Minnesota has found its footing at home, going 6-2 at The Barn this season, with the only losses to Santa Clara and San Francisco. Their defense has been key, holding three of their last four home opponents under 55 points. For Fairleigh Dickinson, containing Tyson will be the primary challenge. The Knights have allowed 72 or more points in eight of their nine losses this season. Niesman, along with leading scorer Noah Melson (14 points vs. Boston College), will need efficient performances to keep pace. This game concludes the nonconference slate for both teams. Minnesota opens Big Ten play at Northwestern on Jan. 3, while Fairleigh Dickinson begins Northeast Conference action at Mercyhurst on Jan. 2. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST Monday.