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Game Preview: Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs
The Minnesota Golden Gophers open their season under new head coach Niko Medved when they host the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs on Sunday, November 3, 2025. Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM local time at Williams Arena in Minneapolis.
Minnesota enters a new era after parting ways with Ben Johnson, turning to Medved, who guided Colorado State to three NCAA Tournament appearances in four seasons. The Golden Gophers will look to rebound from a 15-17 campaign in 2024-25. Gardner-Webb, under second-year head coach Jeremy Luther, finished 11-20 last season and aims to show progress with a retooled roster.
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Key Storylines
- Niko Medved takes over Minnesota after building Colorado State into a perennial NCAA Tournament team.
- Minnesota adds several key transfers, including Cade Tyson, Bobby Durkin, and Langston Reynolds.
- Gardner-Webb returns guard Ace Talbert, a St. Francis transfer who shot 38% from three-point range.
- Both teams are emphasizing culture, defense, and early-season chemistry.
- Medved’s up-tempo offense will debut in front of a home crowd eager for progress.
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Minnesota Golden Gophers Outlook
The Golden Gophers have spent the offseason rebuilding their identity under Niko Medved. Known for his efficient offensive systems and player development, Medved inherits a roster featuring multiple transfers ready to contribute immediately. Cade Tyson, a versatile scorer from Belmont and North Carolina, could become a focal point of the attack.
Langston Reynolds adds backcourt stability, while Bobby Durkin brings perimeter shooting and length to the wings. The question will be how quickly this new group can gel under Medved’s motion-heavy style. Defensively, Minnesota aims to improve transition coverage and rebounding — two areas that cost them late in games last season.
Minnesota Injury Report
No significant injuries have been reported ahead of the opener.
Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs Outlook
Jeremy Luther’s second season in charge brings cautious optimism for the Runnin’ Bulldogs. Gardner-Webb struggled offensively last season, averaging under 70 points per game, but the addition of Ace Talbert gives them a proven perimeter scorer. Luther has also emphasized toughness and defensive consistency, hoping to reduce turnovers that plagued the team in 2024-25.
This matchup offers Gardner-Webb a valuable early-season test against a Big Ten opponent. The Bulldogs will rely on ball movement and timely outside shooting to keep pace with Minnesota’s athleticism.
Gardner-Webb Injury Report
Luther reported a fully healthy roster entering the opener.
Betting Trends
- Minnesota is 5-2 in its last seven home openers.
- The Golden Gophers are 4-1 against the spread in their last five games as home favorites.
- Gardner-Webb is 2-6 straight-up in its last eight road games.
- The Bulldogs have gone under the total in 9 of their last 12 contests.
- Minnesota has hit the under in six of its last eight non-conference games.
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Prediction
Minnesota’s home advantage and improved talent level make this a comfortable debut spot for Niko Medved. Gardner-Webb’s defense should keep things close early, but expect the Golden Gophers’ depth to take over in the second half.
Projected Score: Minnesota 74, Gardner-Webb 59
Best Bet: Minnesota -12.5
Total Lean: Under 139.5
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