University of Minnesota coach Richard Pitino will watch his young basketball team tested immediately in Big Ten play in 2015-16 with an opener at Ohio State on Dec. 30, according to conference schedules released Thursday.
The Gophers, who were 18-14 overall and 6-12 in the Big Ten last season, haven't beaten the Buckeyes in Columbus since the 2004-05 season.
They will follow up that game with a conference home opener Jan. 2 against Michigan State at Williams Arena.
The Spartans will be looking for revenge after having their 15-game win streak against the Gophers in East Lansing, Mich.