Cincinnati Men's Basketball Hosts Minnesota for Twyman-Stokes Classic

The Cincinnati men’s basketball team hosts the University of Minnesota at 7 p.m. this Monday at Fifth Third Arena for the annual Twyman-Stokes Classic, presented by Impacting Tomorrow. The game, which will be broadcast on 700 WLW and streamed via ESPN+, highlights a storied legacy of teammate support that extends far beyond the basketball court.

Why does this game honor Maurice Stokes and Jack Twyman?

The matchup between the Bearcats and the Golden Gophers serves as a living tribute to a bond that transformed the National Basketball Association. According to game notes published by the University of Cincinnati, the event honors Maurice Stokes, an NBA star for the Cincinnati Royals who suffered a career-ending injury in 1958 that left him paralyzed and unable to speak.

His teammate, Jack Twyman, stepped in as his legal guardian at age 23, providing the physical and financial stability Stokes needed to survive.

This partnership eventually sparked a movement among professional athletes; after witnessing the struggles of Stokes, NBA players held out during the 1964 All-Star Game to force the recognition of their players’ union. Following the deaths of Stokes in 1970 and Twyman in 2012, the Reverend Jesse Jackson helped lead the push for the NBA to establish the Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year award.

What is at stake for the Bearcats?

Beyond the historical significance, Monday marks a potential career milestone for first-year Cincinnati head coach Jerrod Calhoun. Calhoun enters the game with 299 career victories, putting him exactly one win away from the 300-mark. His path to this milestone includes 124 wins at Fairmont State, 118 at Youngstown State, 55 at Utah State, and his first two victories as the leader of the Bearcats.

The team carries significant experience into the contest, with a roster averaging nearly 60 career games played.

MJ Collins Jr. leads the group with 136 career appearances, while Tyler Tejada enters the matchup with 85 career starts—the highest count among all active Bearcats. Several players are also closing in on individual statistical benchmarks. Tyler Tejada needs 126 points to reach 1,500 for his career, while teammates Riley Allenspach, Amani Lyles, and Tylen Riley are each within striking distance of the 1,000-point plateau.

How do the teams compare on the court?

This meeting marks the 10th time the two programs have faced one another. While Minnesota won the first two games in 1983 and 1984, Cincinnati has maintained a firm grip on the series, winning the last seven encounters, including a 76-62 victory on March 21, 2006.

Minnesota arrives in Cincinnati with a 2-0 record under second-year head coach Niko Medved, having secured early-season wins against North Dakota and St. Thomas.

The Golden Gophers have demonstrated early efficiency, averaging 23.5 assists per game and maintaining a rebounding advantage of 46.5 to 33.5 over their opponents. Guard Isaac Asuma currently leads the Minnesota offense with 16.5 points per game, supported by forward Jaylen Crocker-Johnson, who contributes 15.5 points and a team-high 7.0 rebounds per contest.

How can fans follow the game?

The contest is scheduled for a 7 p.m. tip-off at Fifth Third Arena. Fans unable to attend in person can access live coverage through the following platforms:

Live Stream: ESPN+
Radio Broadcast: 700 WLW or the TuneIn app
Live Statistics: Available via the official Cincinnati Media Center

For those looking to secure entry for the remainder of the 2026-27 season, ticket packages are currently available through the Bearcats Ticket Office website. Questions regarding seating or assistance can be directed to the ticket office via email at [email protected] or by phone at 513-556-2287.

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