Gopher Basketball to Play Oklahoma State...in Sioux Falls

Marcus Fuller sent out this tweet today, announcing that the Gophers will be playing the Cowboys of Oklahoma State this season and the game will be a neutral site game to be played at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, SD.

#Gophers men's basketball will play Oklahoma St. on Dec. 12 at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, SD, per sources. Nice non-conf. matchup.

— Marcus R. Fuller (@GophersNow) June 26, 2015

Soon after the tweet the University did send out an official press release to confirm.

"We set out to add a marquee opponent in December to test us right before Big Ten play," said head coach Richard Pitino. "We believe that playing one of the top programs in the Big 12 will certainly get us ready for our conference schedule."

First of all this looks to be a good test for the Gophers.  The Cowboys were an NCAA Tournament team a year ago.  But they also look to be reloading a little after graduating three of their top four scorers.  A good test against a Power 5 conference which is always better than facing another directional school from a low-major.

But why Sioux Falls you ask?  Justin Gaard seems to be hinting that a donation from the Sanfords may be on the horizon with this neutral site game.

A Gopher hoops game at Sanford Pentagon....hmmmm.

— Justin Gaard (@jgkfan) June 26, 2015

We will see, there have been hints dropped from both Gaard and Lou Nanne on the KFAN airwaves that a major facilities announcement or two is pending.  We will see.  But on the surface I am a fan of adding a game (or two) like this to the schedule every year.