South Dakota and South Dakota State didn't just beat the Gophers in basketball for the first time ever this season. They also came away with a combined $155,000.
The University of Minnesota paid South Dakota $90,000 and South Dakota State $65,000 to play at Williams Arena this season.
Those games were so-called guaranteed wins in years past. The Gophers were 14-0 all time against the Coyotes before losing 85-81 in double overtime Saturday. Minnesota had a 17-0 record against the Jackrabbits before an 84-70 defeat Tuesday at the Barn.
The Gophers hadn't played South Dakota since 1985, but Minnesota assistant coach Ben Johnson had a connection with Coyotes head coach Craig Smith.