College basketball three-pointers
March 4, 2017 at 4:21AM
![The University of Minnesota's Nate Mason (2) took the ball up court during the second half of the Gopher's 81-71 win over Penn State Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017, at Williams Arena in Minneapolis, MN.] DAVID JOLES ï david.joles@startribune.com Gophers vs. Penn State, men's basketball](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/YQP2KLO6VB6GFWQMXGUNKWNVII.jpg?&w=712)
PLAYER TO WATCH
Nate Mason, G, Gophers
The junior is playing the best ball of his career at the right time. He is averaging 19 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists, while shooting 88.9 percent from the foul line in the past 10 games. The Gophers haven't had a first-team All-Big Ten player since Vincent Grier in 2004-05. That drought could end this year.
game of the weekend
(17) Duke at (5) North Carolina
7:15 p.m. Saturday, ESPN: The Tar Heels are still on top of the ACC, but they lost some steam, falling to Virginia 53-43 on Monday in the lowest-scoring game during the 14-year tenure of Roy Williams. Now he must rally his team in the biggest rivalry. Duke defeated UNC 86-78 at home on Feb. 9.
final thought
Best one yet?
The Big Ten tournament was already going to be unique with the first trip to D.C. But the fact that there were so many close games this season makes it the most intriguing Big Ten tournament in years — maybe ever. You can't count anyone out from making a run to the final, except maybe Rutgers.
about the writer
No. 24 Michigan shut down No. 23 Minnesota late, allowing only 11 points in the final period.
