The University of Cincinnati announced a home-and-home series with the Minnesota Golden Gophers in men’s basketball on July 15 after The Enquirer confirmed the news last week on July 10.
The Bearcats will take on the Golden Gophers at Fifth Third Arena this season, with the return trip to Minneapolis in 2027-28.
Cincinnati’s full non-conference schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.
It will be the 10th meeting between the Bearcats, now of the Big 12 and Minnesota of the Big Ten with UC holding a 7-2 advantage.
Cincinnati Bearcats, Minnesota Golden Gophers history
Minnesota won the first two matchups in 1983 and 1984. Since the christening of Fifth Third Arena Nov. 25, 1989, the Bearcats have won the rest.
Famously, UC knocked off No. 20 Minnesota on a last-second 3-pointer by Steve Sanders, who also played football for the Bearcats. The game was the first for both Fifth Third Arena and Bob Huggins as UC coach.
As Sanders recently recalled to The Enquirer, the play wasn’t meant for him.
“We were just trying to throw the ball to the front of the rim,” Sanders said. “The last thing he (Coach Huggins) said was, ‘Steve, you have to be ready. If he can’t throw it inside, he’s going to throw it to you.'”
Recent Cincinnati vs. Minnesota basketball history
Two of the UC victories against Minnesota have come in overtime, both on the road. In 1994, UC won 91-88 and in 1998, the Bearcats held on 62-61 in OT. They last played in the NIT during Andy Kennedy’s interim year as coach, winning 76-62. Eric Hicks had 23 points and 11 rebounds and blocked four shots to break Kenyon Martin’s single-season blocked shot record.
The Bearcats continue practicing for their upcoming international exhibitions in the Bahamas in August.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: UC Bearcats will play Minnesota basketball home, away series
Reporting by Scott Springer, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
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By Scott Springer, Cincinnati Enquirer | USA TODAY Network
