Gophers Men's Basketball Accepts College Basketball Crown Invite

Team to face Baylor in quarterfinals of eight-team tournament in Las Vegas on April 1

Mar. 16, 2026 at 11:11pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The University of Minnesota men's basketball team has accepted an invitation to compete in the College Basketball Crown, an eight-team tournament taking place in Las Vegas. The Gophers will face off against Baylor in the quarterfinals on April 1.

Why it matters

The College Basketball Crown is a prestigious postseason tournament that features some of the top college basketball programs in the country. The Gophers' invitation is a testament to their strong performance this season and an opportunity to showcase their talent on a national stage.

The details

The College Basketball Crown tournament will take place in Las Vegas from March 31 to April 5. The Gophers, who earned their spot in the tournament, will face off against Baylor in the quarterfinals on April 1. The winner of that game will advance to the semifinals on April 3.

  • The College Basketball Crown tournament will take place from March 31 to April 5, 2026.
  • The Gophers will face Baylor in the quarterfinals on April 1, 2026.

The players

University of Minnesota Gophers

The men's basketball team from the University of Minnesota, a public research university located in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Baylor Bears

The men's basketball team from Baylor University, a private Christian university located in Waco, Texas.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're excited to have the opportunity to compete in the College Basketball Crown. It's a great chance for our team to showcase our skills and compete against some of the best programs in the country.”

— Ben Johnson, Head Coach, University of Minnesota Gophers (Star Tribune)

What’s next

The winner of the Gophers-Baylor quarterfinal game will advance to the semifinals on April 3, 2026.

The takeaway

The Gophers' invitation to the College Basketball Crown is a significant achievement for the program and a chance for them to test their skills against top-tier competition. The tournament will provide valuable experience and exposure for the team as they look to make a deep postseason run.