Northwestern Rallies To Beat Minnesota 68-57

March 2, 2011 10:37 PM

Blake Hoffarber #24 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers recovers a loose ball against A.J. Abrams #3 of the Texas Longhorns during the first round of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament at the Greensboro Coliseum on March 19, 2009 in Greensboro, N.C. (credit: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

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EVANSTON, Ill. (AP) — Michael Thompson and sophomore reserve Alex Marcotullio scored 18 points apiece as Northwestern rallied from a 10-point second-half deficit for a 68-57 victory over Minnesota on Wednesday night.

Marcotullio, who had a career night, scored 10 points over a 6-minute span in the second half for the Wildcats (17-12, 7-11 Big Ten), who trailed 41-31 with 13:14 to play.

Trevor Mbakwe picked up his 17th double-double of the season with 14 points and 12 rebounds for the Golden Gophers (17-12, 6-11), who lost their fourth in a row.

Thompson scored 15 second-half points. John Shurna had 15 for the game, while reserve Davide Curletti added 12.

Northwestern moved ahead of Minnesota into sole possession of eighth in the Big Ten.

The Golden Gophers led 31-25 at intermission and extended the lead to 39-29 on Austin Hollins’ 3-pointer with 13:59 left.

The Wildcats chipped away over the next 6:40, using 3-pointers from Thompson, Marcotullio and Shurna to trim the deficit to 45-43.

They went ahead 46-45 on Marcotullio’s fast-break layup and free throw with 6:48 to play and extended the advantage to 49-45 on Marcotullio’s 3-pointer 44 seconds later.

The Wildcats pulled away in the final 3 minutes as Thompson hit his fourth 3-pointer for a 60-51 lead.

Northwestern wrapped up its regular season, while Minnesota hosts Penn State in its Big Ten finale Sunday.

Northwestern hit just 2 of 12 shots in the first 12:30 yet trailed just 13-10. The Wildcats then grabbed an 18-17 lead on Marcotullio’s 3-pointer with 9:11 showing.

The Gophers went ahead at 20-18 on Blake Hoffarber’s putback and and never trailed on the way to a 31-25 halftime lead. Mbakwe and Rodney Williams each had six first-half points.

WCCO’s Interview With Tubby Smith

Northwestern Rallies To Beat Minnesota 68 57

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Players fault(s) again? come on

Tubby my man – what in the heck has happened with this team? I watched and now read about the confrontation and bashing you toss at Blake F. and have to wonder where this meltdown is coming from. I’ve watched him play for 13 years now – never seen a shooting talent and touch like his get so messed up in my life.
The Big Men – where or where is the development???? We have some un-tested underclassman and I am wondering why they seem so confused on the floor?
Ok – I guess we have a couple of excuses and things are not perfect with transfers and injuries. That said – I could NOT be more disappointed than I am. Starts right there at the top Coach….the kids are still kids and in need of guidance and coaching. I am NOT seeing this.
Clem …. Jan’s gone. Are you busy?
ThomasY

Parts are the players fault IMO BUT that in parts falls right back on the coaching staff. These guys look baffled at times. I struggle to see a flow in the offense ever, the defense is often way to soft and just lacking effort at times it seems. Maybe it is just total frustration showing and that is the reason for lack of whatever.
I’ll play along in one thing…. Tubby is getting I hear about 2M total? That is a big chunk of money. I’m done and zipping my mouth