Minnesota cruises past Northwestern

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — After an 0-4 start to the Big Ten season, the Minnesota Golden Gophers are suddenly picking up some steam to try to get back into the postseason conversation.

Now slumping Northwestern needs to go on a similar run if it hopes to capture that elusive NCAA tournament bid.

Rodney Williams had 11 points and four steals and flustered the Big Ten’s leading scorer to help Minnesota to its third straight win, 75-52 over Northwestern on Sunday.

Williams added three blocks and Joe Coleman had 16 points, five rebounds and three steals for the Gophers (15-5, 3-4).

“I can feel us gaining confidence with each win,” said coach Tubby Smith.

John Shurna scored 21 points for the Wildcats (12-7, 2-5), but he shot just 8 of 21.

Tags: big ten, college sports, sports, basketball, gophers