Five Minnesotans to watch in the Big Ten women’s basketball tournament

Indiana - 5-10 - senior - guard

In her second season at Indiana, Scalia — a Stillwater native who played three seasons with the Gophers — moved from being a top reserve to a starter. The result is her best season yet, with a career high in three-point shooting (43.8%). Her ability to hit the long ball — she has a multitude of games with three or more three-pointers made — is a strong compliment to Mackenzie Holmes’ inside play.

Gophers - 6-1 - sophomore - wing

Heyer might be the Gophers’ most consistent player, one who can almost always be relied upon to score about 10 points and pull down eight rebounds a game. Her defensive flexibility is a big plus, too. She’s in the top five in the Big Ten in rebounding, and her long-range shooting is crucial for the Gophers.

Gophers - 5-11 - sophomore - point guard

Battle, the former Hopkins star, is third on the Gophers in scoring (10.8) and rebounding (4.6) and is first on the team and third in the Big Ten in assists (5.5). The loss of Mara Braun to injury put a lot more on Battle’s shoulders, including the task of going against the opponent’s best perimeter defender.

Illinois - 5-10 - junior - guard

The Illini’s season has been something of a disappointment, with a slow start to both the nonconference and Big Ten seasons. But the former Park Center star has still averaged in double figures in scoring (10.7), as well as nearly five rebounds and better than two assists per game.

Wisconsin - 5-4 - sophomore - guard

A reserve as a freshman from St. Paul Como Park, Porter moved into the starting lineup this season and averaged about 10 points, rebounded well (better than 5.5 per game) and had 4.3 assists per game. Her quickness is vital to the Badgers’ perimeter defense.