National Basketball Association
BOXSCORE | RECAP
Northwestern 68, Minnesota 57
When: 8:30 PM ET, Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Where: Welsh-Ryan Arena, Evanston, Illinois
Officials: # Bo Boroski, # Michael Kitts, # Larry Scirotto
Attendance: 4584

Michael Thompson and Alex Marcotullio scored 18 points apiece as Northwestern closed its regular-season schedule with a 68-57 victory over visiting Minnesota on Wednesday.

The Wildcats (17-12, 7-11 Big Ten) trailed 45-39 before scoring 10 straight points in a two-minute span to take a four-point lead with 6:04 remaining. Minnesota got back within one on a 3-pointer by Blake Hoffarber, but Thompson hit from beyond the arc and added six foul shots in the final two minutes to help Northwestern put the game away.

The game was decided from 3-point range, where Northwestern made 10 of 30 while Minnesota was 3 for 17.

John Shurna added 15 points for the Wildcats, who also enjoyed a 12-point edge at the free-throw line as they made 20 of 23 while the Golden Gophers were 8 for 11.

Trevor Mbakwe had 14 points and 12 rebounds for Minnesota (17-12, 6-11), which has lost eight of nine since a 16-4 start.
Top Game Performances
 
Minnesota   Northwestern
Trevor Mbakwe 14 Scoring Alex Marcotullio 18
Blake Hoffarber 5 Assists Davide Curletti 4
Trevor Mbakwe 12 Rebounds Michael Thompson 7
Trevor Mbakwe 6 Free Throws Made Davide Curletti 6
Maverick Ahanmisi 2 Steals Alex Marcotullio 2
Ralph Sampson III 2 Blocks Davide Curletti 2
Team Stats Summary
 
Team Points FG% 3PM-3PA FTM-FTA Assists Rebounds Blocks Steals Turnovers
Minnesota 57 44.2 3-17 8-11 12 32 3 8
Northwestern 68 37.3 10-30 20-23 16 27 6 6