Minnesota Basketball: 5 Key Games For The 2014-15 Season

By Matt Johnson

Minnesota Basketball: 5 Key Games For The 2014-15 Season

Minnesota Golden Gophers — Coming off a season in which they won 25 games and the NIT Championship, coach Richard Pitino and the Minnesota Golden Gophers will be looking to return to the NCAA Tournament this season. Here are five games that could determine Minnesota's postseason fate in 2014-15.

5. Dec. 2 at Wake Forest

Wake Forest Demon Deacons

5. Dec. 2 at Wake Forest

Wake Forest Demon Deacons — As Minnesota’s only true non-conference road game, the matchup with Wake Forest figures to loom large as the season moves on. With the Demon Deacons looking to build off a 17-16 record from last year, a victory in Winston-Salem would build momentum heading into the Big Ten Conference action.

4. Nov. 14 vs. Louisville

Louisville Cardinals

4. Nov. 14 vs. Louisville

Louisville Cardinals — Storylines will abound when the Gophers take on the Cardinals at the Armed Forces Classic in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico to start the season. Louisville is always one of the nation’s most visible programs, and if Minnesota comes through with a season-opening win over the elder Pitino and the Cardinals, it will serve as a springboard for the rest of 2014-15.

3. Jan. 6 vs. Ohio State

Ohio State Buckeyes

3. Jan. 6 vs. Ohio State

Ohio State Buckeyes — After beginning Big Ten action with road games against Purdue and Maryland, the Gophers return home to host the Buckeyes for an important conference matchup. Minnesota posted an impressive win over Ohio State at Williams Arena last season and doing so again will go a long ways toward building a strong resume come Selection Sunday.

2. Feb. 26 at Michigan State

Michigan State Spartans

2. Feb. 26 at Michigan State

Michigan State Spartans — Games at the Breslin Center are never easy for visitors. With their matchup against Michigan State concluding the regular-season road schedule, Minnesota will look to build off a narrow loss to the Spartans in East Lansing in 2013-14 while picking up an important win against Tom Izzo's team.

1. Mar. 5 vs. Wisconsin

Wisconsin Badgers

1. Mar. 5 vs. Wisconsin

Wisconsin Badgers — With the Badgers expected to win the Big Ten in 2014-15, the Gophers' home game with Wisconsin might be the team’s biggest contest of the season. For Minnesota, a win over the Badgers would give them a statement win and momentum heading into the Big Ten Tournament in Chicago.

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Minnesota Golden Gophers

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