Minnesota women’s basketball starting center Janel McCarville is questionable for this weekend’s games due to academics.

The 6-foot-2 freshman did not practice Tuesday. Coach Brenda Oldfield said McCarville could play this weekend if she gets her academics in order.

“Janel is focusing on some academic issues that she has to get completed in order for her to be with this team,” Oldfield said. “She understands that responsibility and has to continue to follow through on what she is doing.”

McCarville is averaging 12.1 points and 6.4 rebounds for the 6-1 Gophers.

Minnesota heads east this weekend for Friday’s game against Virginia Commonwealth and Sunday’s contest with High Point.

– Adam Fink, Staff Reporter

Postseason accolades

Minnesota safety Jack Brewer earned All-Big Ten first team honors by conference media on Tuesday.

Brewer led the Gophers in tackles with 147, a mark good for second in the Big Ten. He led the conference in tackles per game with 14.1. Brewer was named honorable mention All-Big Ten by coaches.

Minnesota wide receiver Ron Johnson earned second-team All-Big Ten by conference coaches.

Johnson, the Gophers all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches, hauled in 56 passes for 895 yards and nine touchdowns this season.

Johnson was named an honorable mention All-Big Ten by the media.

Joining Johnson as honorable mentions by the media are running back Tellis Redmon, defensive end Greg White and tackle Jake Kuppe. Joining Brewer as an honorable mention by the coaches was center Derek Burns, Redmon, White and Kuppe.

Stephens awarded again

Minnesota forward Kelly Stephens was named WCHA rookie of the week on Tuesday. The honor is Stephen’s second of the season.

Stephens led the Gophers to a sweep at Wisconsin with five points on a goal and four assists.

Hackler recognized

Minnesota’s Jeff Hackler was named Big Ten swimmer of the week, after the seven-time All-American won the 100-yard and 200-yard breaststrokes at the Georgia Invitational.

The Alpharetta, Ga, native also swam on the Gophers 200- yard and 400-yard medley winning relays.

Lewis honored

Minnesota junior wrestler Ryan Lewis earned Big Ten wrestler of the week honors, for his performance last week at No. 2 Oklahoma State in Stillwater.

Lewis, currently ranked third in the nation at 133 pounds, pinned top-ranked Johnny Thompson of OSU with nine seconds remaining in their match.