There was some internet fire blazing last week when Patrick Reusse tweeted that the Gophers and Duke were going to play at Williams Arena in the 2017 Big Ten/ACC Challenge. But that dream matchup is not happening.
Instead, the Gophers will host Miami at “The Barn” in November at a time and date to be announced. Since the Challenge started in 1999 the Gophers have nine wins and nine losses and have yet to play ACC powers Duke or North Carolina.
- 2016: Florida State (loss)
- 2015: Clemson (win)
- 2014: Wake Forest (win)
- 2013: Florida State (win)
- 2012: Florida State (win)
- 2011: Virginia Tech (win)
- 2010: Virginia (loss)
- 2009: Miami (loss)
- 2008: Virginia (win)
- 2007: Florida State (loss)
- 2006: Clemson (loss)
- 2005: Maryland (loss)
- 2004: Florida State (loss)
- 2003: Virginia (loss)
- 2002: Georgia Tech (win)
- 2001: Wake Forest (loss)
- 2000: Florida State (win)
- 1999: Virginia (win)
Gophers head coach Richard Pitino called Miami a top-25 team.
“I have the utmost respect for Coach Larrañaga and his staff for the job they do every year at the University of Miami,” Pitino said in a statement. “This will be a terrific opportunity to play a top-25 team in our building in the non-conference season. We look forward to the game and can’t wait to play in front of our terrific fans.”
The Gophers are also expected to be a top-25 team next season.
Had Duke been Minnesota’s opponent, it would’ve featured a homecoming for former Apple Valley high school standout Gary Trent Jr., who is expected to be a star freshman for the Blue Devils next season. Trent Jr. is the son of former Timberwolves forward, Gary Trent.
Matchups for the 19th annual #B1GACC Challenge have been announced. #B1GMBBall pic.twitter.com/okOepagYa8
— Big Ten Men's Basketball (@B1GMBBall) June 8, 2017
