Michael Thompson and Alex Marcotullio scored 18 points apiece as Northwestern closed its regular-season schedule with a 68-57 victory over visiting Minnesota on Wednesday.

The Wildcats (17-12, 7-11 Big Ten) trailed 45-39 before scoring 10 straight points in a two-minute span to take a four-point lead with 6:04 remaining. Minnesota got back within one on a 3-pointer by Blake Hoffarber, but Thompson hit from beyond the arc and added six foul shots in the final two minutes to help Northwestern put the game away.

The game was decided from 3-point range, where Northwestern made 10 of 30 while Minnesota was 3 for 17.

John Shurna added 15 points for the Wildcats, who also enjoyed a 12-point edge at the free-throw line as they made 20 of 23 while the Golden Gophers were 8 for 11.

Trevor Mbakwe had 14 points and 12 rebounds for Minnesota (17-12, 6-11), which has lost eight of nine since a 16-4 start.