Feb. 19--MINNEAPOLIS -- Northwestern won its first Big Ten game of this season on Dec. 30. And its most recent one on Sunday.
In between those two Big Ten victories was a lot of heartache that came from 10 straight losses.
But Sunday's 66-61 overtime win over Iowa provided a glimmer of excitement and relief as the Wildcats finally were rewarded for their perseverance entering Wednesday night's conference test against Minnesota at Williams Arena.
"To be able to see guys jumping around in the locker room and smiling and feeling good about what they accomplished ... you need that," NU coach Chris Collins said. "And that's been a challenge for us. We haven't gotten that feedback. There is definitely a little more pep to your step (after a victory). You get a little more excited and certainly it was just what the doctor ordered for this team. And I feel good about us moving forward."
Moving immediately forward is the date with a Golden Gophers team eager to get back on the winning track after suffering a 90-71 loss at Indiana.
Minnesota enters the game with an all-time home advantage of 56-19 against Northwestern.
Northwestern's Sanjay Lumpkin, who grew up in nearby Wayzata, Minn., was particularly looking forward to facing Minnesota Wednesday night.
"I always love going back home," Lumpkin said. "I want to go in there and get another win. I haven't lost when I was in the game at Williams Arena, so I hope we can get another one this year."
Northwestern enters with an overall record of 11-14; 2-10 in the Big Ten. Minnesota comes in 16-10, 5-8.
Minnesota's senior guard Andre Hollins averaged 21.3 points and 4.4 rebounds in his previous eight games. Last Sunday against the Hoosiers, Hollins posted his eighth 20-point game of the season with a team-high 23 points.
The Gophers are second in the country in steals per game (10.5) and fourth in turnover margin (5.7), to lead the Big Ten in those categories
fmitchell@tribpub.com
Wildcats seek second straight win
