Only two days after losing 88-78 to No. 25, the Gophers were able to get back in the win column Friday, taking down Northwestern 74-68.
An abnormal mid-afternoon tipoff between Minnesota and Northwestern was a result of a COVID-19-postponed matchup that was originally scheduled to take place on Dec. 31.
Minnesota rolled out the same starting lineup for the third consecutive game. It seemed to find early success, jumping out to an 18-8 lead after 10 minutes of play.
Veteran guard Gadiva Hubbard knocked in three three-pointers, as the Gophers made four of six from beyond the arc as a team in the first quarter.
After shooting 23.5% from the field in the first quarter, Northwestern was able to pull itself back in the second, cutting the Gophers’ lead to 34-27 heading into the locker room.
In an area where it has struggled all season, Minnesota was able to find success rebounding the ball in the first half. A 26-16 advantage in total rebounds and seven individually from Laura Bagwell-Katalinich played a large role in ending the first 20 minutes ahead.
Bagwell-Katalinich continued to play at a high level in the third quarter, while the Gophers were able to extend their lead. Thanks to five points and four rebounds from the veteran post player, they led 52-39 heading into the final quarter.
After three consecutive quarters of shooting below 32%, Northwestern saved its best for last, shooting 70.6% as a team in the fourth quarter. The Gophers responded with an effective final 10 minutes of their own.
The veteran duo of Hubbard and Bagwell-Katalinich were able to close out the game with 13 combined points in the final quarter, as the Gophers ultimately came out on top 74-68.
Hubbard finished with 19 points, four rebounds and four assists, while Bagwell-Katalinich finished with 19 points and 12 rebounds.
Northwestern’s poor shooting through the first three quarters was too much to overcome, and despite 17 turnovers, the Gophers were able to pick up their second win in three games.
The Gophers will now have a long layoff. (7-17) Rutgers is next on the schedule for a Feb. 17 contest at Williams Arena.
