TIPSHEET

KNOW THIS

• The Timberwolves were bad all year last season, going 16-66. But they were particularly putrid from March 1 through the end of the regular season, going 3-21. With youth again taking over the lineup, is another end-of-year nose-dive inevitable?

• Asked Thursday about his lack of college football playing experience, Gophers head coach Tracy Claeys said it wasn't by choice — quipping that it was because he was a terrible player.

WATCH THIS

Someday the Timberwolves might evolve into a team that resembles the current Thunder. Present and future meet Friday (7 p.m., FSN).

RANDOM FANDOM

"Using the name Chicago Avenue can be a welcoming gesture, allowing Chicago fans to feel at home while we trounce them."

"mcfrenzy" commenting on startribune.com

TWEETED

"Apple Valley and Hopkins really should have been on opposite sides of the bracket. Bummer they won't face in title game."

@RyanRablin