Feb. 6, 2008

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EVANSTON, Ill. -- Kevin Coble led Northwestern (7-13, 0-9) with 22 points and Michael Thompson and Craig Moore added 19 each, but it wasn't enough as Minnesota downed the Wildcats 92-72 Wednesday night at Welsh-Ryan Arena.

Thompson also contributed seven assists without a turnover in 38 minutes of action.

Spencer Tollackson shot 7-for-7 to score 19 points to pace the visitors. He didn't do it alone, though, as six different Gophers (14-7, 4-5) finished in double figures. Jamal Abu-Shamala and Lawrence McKenzie had 16 points each and Blake Hoffarber added 15.

Northwestern held an 18-16 lead midway through the first half before Minnesota went on a 10-2 to go ahead 26-20.

The Wildcats were within 34-31 with three minutes left in the opening half before the Golden Gophers closed the half with a late 13-2 run to take a 47-33 advantage into the break.

Minnesota was able to build on its lead before Northwestern's defense helped get the Wildcats back in the game. Three Minnesota turnovers helped Northwestern go on an 8-0 run and chop the margin to 13 with 13 minutes left.

However, that would be as close as the Wildcats would get.

Northwestern connected on 52.8 percent (28-53) of its field goals in the contest, but the Golden Gophers knocked down 56.9 percent (29-51) of their shots. Minnesota also had a decisive 22-4 edge in second chance points.

The Wildcats return to action at 6 p.m. Central time Saturday when they travel to Michigan State. The game is being televised by Big Ten Network.

The Associated Press contributed to this report