University of Minnesota Athletics
Photo by: Brad Rempel
Gopher Men's Basketball Set to Compete in SoCal Challenge
5/24/2022 8:09:00 AM | Men's Basketball
The University of Minnesota men's basketball team will be one of eight teams competing in the second-annual SoCal Challenge, announced today by the organization. The multi-team event (MTE) takes place Nov. 21 and 23 at the Pavilion at JSerra in San Juan Capistrano, Calif.
Minnesota is one of four teams in the Surf Division, along with University of Nevada Las Vegas, Cal Baptist and Southern Illinois. The Sand Division includes Cal State, Central Michigan, High Point and Tennessee State.
"We're looking forward to playing in the SoCal Challenge and facing some great competition Thanksgiving week," head coach Ben Johnson said. "We know our student-athletes will have a first-class experience at such a well-run national tournament. I'm excited for our Gophers fans to experience a fun, warm destination that they can travel to and enjoy."
Minnesota competed in the Asheville Championship, Nov. 12 and 14 in Asheville, N.C. The Golden Gophers took home the trophy when it defeated Western Kentucky and Princeton in the inaugural event.
The first SoCal Challenge saw Fresno State win the top prize in the Surf Division besting Santa Clara, TCU, and Pepperdine. Utah Valley earned the top spot in the Sand Division over Cal Poly SLO, Idaho and Nicholls State.
"Teams and fans alike loved the first SoCal Challenge," said Steve Barnes, Founder and Co-Executive Director of the SoCal Challenge. "We had a packed venue for both nights and are grateful that we were accepted by the college basketball media as if we'd been around forever, making sure we reached millions of people. This year's lineup of teams will be just as competitive and exciting."
The SoCal Challenge is a premier sporting experience featuring a range of events for sports enthusiasts to engage in, all hosted in sunny Southern California. Fans will soak up some sun, experience premier college sports, and enjoy all of what Southern California is known for. The challenge will be anchored by a NCAA Men's College Basketball Multi-Team Event featuring eight top programs squaring off at The Pavilion at JSerra in San Juan Capistrano, California. Primetime basketball games will be nationally televised. More information at www.socalchallenge.co
Minnesota is one of four teams in the Surf Division, along with University of Nevada Las Vegas, Cal Baptist and Southern Illinois. The Sand Division includes Cal State, Central Michigan, High Point and Tennessee State.
"We're looking forward to playing in the SoCal Challenge and facing some great competition Thanksgiving week," head coach Ben Johnson said. "We know our student-athletes will have a first-class experience at such a well-run national tournament. I'm excited for our Gophers fans to experience a fun, warm destination that they can travel to and enjoy."
Minnesota competed in the Asheville Championship, Nov. 12 and 14 in Asheville, N.C. The Golden Gophers took home the trophy when it defeated Western Kentucky and Princeton in the inaugural event.
The first SoCal Challenge saw Fresno State win the top prize in the Surf Division besting Santa Clara, TCU, and Pepperdine. Utah Valley earned the top spot in the Sand Division over Cal Poly SLO, Idaho and Nicholls State.
"Teams and fans alike loved the first SoCal Challenge," said Steve Barnes, Founder and Co-Executive Director of the SoCal Challenge. "We had a packed venue for both nights and are grateful that we were accepted by the college basketball media as if we'd been around forever, making sure we reached millions of people. This year's lineup of teams will be just as competitive and exciting."
The SoCal Challenge is a premier sporting experience featuring a range of events for sports enthusiasts to engage in, all hosted in sunny Southern California. Fans will soak up some sun, experience premier college sports, and enjoy all of what Southern California is known for. The challenge will be anchored by a NCAA Men's College Basketball Multi-Team Event featuring eight top programs squaring off at The Pavilion at JSerra in San Juan Capistrano, California. Primetime basketball games will be nationally televised. More information at www.socalchallenge.co
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