8 p.m. vs. Illinois • Williams Arena BTN (1130-AM, 103.5-FM)
Mason might sit out again
Preview: The Gophers (12-3, 1-1 Big Ten) resume conference play Wednesday with uncertainty surrounding senior point guard Nate Mason, a gametime decision because of a left ankle injury. Mason (15.5 points, 4.1 assists per game) missed his first game since the 2015-16 season in Saturday's 65-55 victory over Harvard. Freshman Isaiah Washington started his second career game, finishing with nine points on 4-for-17 shooting, two assists and a career-best 13 rebounds in 35 minutes. Illinois (10-5, 0-2) lost five of seven games after falling to New Mexico State in the Diamond Head Classic a week before Christmas. But the Illini, in their first year under former Oklahoma State coach Brad Underwood, bounced back with consecutive victories over Missouri 70-64 and Grand Canyon 62-58 to end nonconference play.
Players to watch: G Dupree McBrayer returned from a two-game absence to score a team-high 15 points in 31 minutes in Saturday's victory over Harvard. McBrayer missed a total of three games because of injuries to both legs. … Illinois junior F Leron Black is averaging 19.0 points and 8.7 rebounds in his past three games, including back-to-back 20-point performances against Missouri and Grand Canyon.
Numbers: The Gophers only have seven more Big Ten home games this season, including Saturday against Indiana. They gave up playing host to the Ohio State game Jan. 20 to play it at Madison Square Garden in New York.
MARCUS FULLER
