Central Michigan was the latest opponent of the Gophers men’s basketball team thinking about leaving Williams Arena with an upset — and it nearly did.

Middle-of-the-road programs from the Mid-American Conference, Summit League, American Athletic Conference, Ivy League and Horizon didn’t fear playing a team picked to finish last in the Big Ten.

This gave the Gophers experience in close games that served them well Monday night.

Dawson Garcia and Lu’Cye Patterson hit big shots and free throws late and combined for 36 points in a 68-65 win against the Chippewas.

“We’re going to be in tight games from here on out more times than not,” Gophers coach Ben Johnson said. “Never apologize for getting a win — ugly or pretty. I think all of this just hopefully makes you battle-tested.”

Garcia, who finished with 22 points and 11 rebounds, was in a familiar spot when he had to seal the game at the foul line. He hit four straight free throws to help the Gophers escape Yale 59-56 on Nov. 16.

After making four in a row again, the senior forward missed two straight but hit his last one with 15 seconds to play for the three-point final margin.

“When I go to the line, I’m thinking I’m making them,” Garcia said. “I got a lot of confidence in myself, so I’m surprised when I miss.”