Gophers

Marcus Fuller's three pointers: Michigan State's Jaren Jackson Jr., who just torched the Gophers, could be the No. 1 pick

February 16, 2018 at 4:49AM

Fuller's three-pointers

PLAYER TO WATCH

Jaren Jackson Jr., C, Michigan State

The 6-11 freshman showed why he's a potential No. 1 pick with his career-best 27 points and five three-pointers in Tuesday's 87-57 victory against the Gophers. Jackson is versatile, but he's a finalist for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award, given to the nation's top center.

game of the weekend

(3) Villanova at (4) Xavier

3:30 p.m. Saturday, Ch. 9: After losing two of their past three games, the Wildcats have lost their spot as the top-ranked team in the nation. The Musketeers, who lost at Villanova 89-65 on Jan. 10, enter Saturday trying to hold on to sole possession of first place in the Big East at 12-2.

final thought

More transparency, please

The selection committee released its top 16 teams last week, the second year of this "early buzz" idea. It's good for TV and social media, of course, but a better idea would be to give us a look at the process and what new criteria are being used — such as "quadrants" (huh?).