The Gophers men’s basketball team is set to face off against Bethune-Cookman tonight at Williams Arena. The game will be streamed on Big Ten Plus and can also be heard on 103.5 FM. The Gophers are heavily favored to win, with a line of 17½ points. This early matchup is part of a favorable schedule for Gophers coach Ben Johnson, with 10 of the team’s 11 nonconference games taking place at home. Bethune-Cookman, who had a 12-20 record last season, is predicted to finish ninth in their conference. The Gophers have a strong chance of starting the season with a win, as they haven’t lost a home opener since 1988. However, it’s not just about winning for the Gophers, but also about how they perform. Preseason All-Big Ten forward Dawson Garcia emphasized the importance of leadership and setting the tone for the team. The Gophers will be looking for a strong performance from Garcia, especially with Pharrel Payne still recovering from a minor injury. Bethune-Cookman’s guard Zion Harmon will provide a test for the Gophers’ new backcourt. Harmon, who was named SWAC freshman of the year last season, is a talented player with a scoring average of 13.7 points per game. The Gophers will need to focus on defense and rebounding to contain Harmon and secure the victory. In terms of injuries, Payne and freshman guard Cam Christie are both day-to-day in their recovery. Overall, the Gophers have a great opportunity to start the season on a positive note and showcase their potential.