The Minnesota Golden Gophers were ready to play from the opening tip as they opened the game with an 11-0 run against the Northwestern Wildcats. The Gophers maintained the advantage throughout the first half before taking a 41-24 lead to the break.
Minnesota held Northwestern scoreless for more than seven minutes to open the game until David Curletti finally broke through with a layup to get the Wildcats on the board. Through a combination of good defense and poor execution, the Wildcats flat out struggled to put the ball in the basket before starting to find the range just before the half, but still just making 9 of 30 shots.
John Shurna leads the Wildcats with 8 points and Alex Marcotullio made a pair of three-pointers off the bench to add 6 points.
Meanwhile the Gophers are sharing the ball and the scoring load, with Ralph Sampson III going to work inside early for 8 points and 4 rebounds. Gaurd Joe Coleman added 8 points, as well with forward Rodney Williams leading the way with 9 points. The Gophers also have 8 steals which helped fueled the fast start.