Minnesota Basketball: Gophers Fade in Second Half, Losing to Northwestern 77-69

After leading by 6 points at halftime the Gophers failed to execute in the final minutes, eventually losing by 8 to Northwestern. Vic Law led the way for the Wildcats with 18 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists. Bryant McIntosh also had 18, including some crucial buckets in the final minutes.

The win gave the Wildcats a season sweep of the Gophers. Minnesota was led by Nate Mason’s 25 points, 9 assists and zero turnovers while the point guard played all 40 minutes. It was a lack of execution in the final 8 minutes that prevented them from regaining the lead and eventually dropping the 6th of their last 7 games.

THE STAT: Northwestern has won 4 consecutive games in the Barn.

TURNING POINT: With just under 10 minutes to play, the Gophers led 59-58. But Northwestern went on a 6-0 run to gain the lead and didn’t look back.

BAD MOVE: Davonte Fitzgerald got the start tonight as the Gophers went with a smaller lineup. Fitzgerald played 24 minutes but contributed 3 points on ¹⁄₃ shooting and just 1 rebound. I like the idea of a smaller lineup, but more production has to come from that 5th guy, whoever it is.

UP NEXT: The Gophers get a week off before heading to Iowa next Tuesday.