Minnesota Golden Gophers Defeat Northwestern Wildcats 84-78
Saturday, January 3, 2026, 5:00 PM ET · Welsh-Ryan Arena
Minnesota Golden Gophers 84, Northwestern Wildcats 78, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Northwestern Wildcats?
Minnesota Golden Gophers beat Northwestern Wildcats 84-78 at Welsh-Ryan Arena on January 3, 2026.
Who was favored in Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Northwestern Wildcats?
Northwestern Wildcats were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -198 (about 66% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling matchup at Welsh-Ryan Arena, the Minnesota Golden Gophers overcame the Northwestern Wildcats with a final score of 84-78. This victory marks the Gophers' third consecutive win, further solidifying their position as a competitive team in the NCAAB landscape. The game showcased a back-and-forth battle, with Minnesota capitalizing on their recent form to secure the win against a Wildcats team that has struggled to find consistency.
Entering this game, Northwestern held a home record of 8-6, while Minnesota boasted a slightly better away record of 9-5. The Wildcats had a mixed recent form, going 5-5 in their last ten games, with an average of 79.1 points scored and 74.0 points allowed. Their last five games showed a slight improvement, with an average of 79.8 points scored and 66.0 points allowed, including a recent win against Howard Bison, where they triumphed 80-60. However, they had previously lost to teams like Butler and Ohio State, indicating their inconsistency.
On the other hand, Minnesota's recent form was more promising, with a record of 6-4 over their last ten games and a current winning streak of three games. They averaged 70.3 points scored and 64.9 points allowed during this stretch. Their last five games were particularly strong, with an average of 71.4 points scored and only 59.0 points allowed, highlighted by a commanding win over Fairleigh Dickinson Knights, where they won 60-43.
In terms of home and away performance, Northwestern had a home record of 4-2 in their last six games, while Minnesota struggled on the road, holding an away record of 0-2 in their recent outings. This matchup was crucial for both teams as they sought to improve their standings and build momentum heading into the latter part of the season.
Historically, the two teams had faced each other twice in the 2025 season, with Northwestern winning both encounters. The first meeting concluded with a score of 72-64, and the second saw Northwestern claim a 75-63 victory. This history added an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup, as Minnesota aimed to break the Wildcats' winning streak against them.
Injury reports indicated that both teams were relatively healthy, allowing them to field their strongest lineups. This factor played a significant role in the game's intensity, as both teams were able to execute their strategies without major disruptions.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Northwestern as 4.5-point favorites, with a total set at 138.5 points. The odds reflected the tight nature of the matchup, with Northwestern's moneyline at -198.0 and Minnesota's at 164.0. This pricing indicated that while Northwestern was favored, the game was expected to be competitive.
As the game progressed, it was evident that both teams were determined to control the pace and flow. The final moments were particularly tense, with Minnesota managing to pull ahead in the second half. Key plays included a crucial jumper by Nick Martinelli that pushed Minnesota to 78 points, followed by free throws from Cade Tyson and Bobby Durkin that sealed the victory.
Overall, the game was a testament to Minnesota's resilience and ability to perform under pressure, while Northwestern will need to regroup and address their inconsistencies as they move forward in the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NU -4.5 | 138.5 o -115 / u -105 | Minnesota Golden Gophers +164 · Northwestern Wildcats -198 |
Leaders
- PointsNick Martinelli26Northwestern Wildcats
- AssistsJayden Reid7Northwestern Wildcats
- ReboundsNick Martinelli6Northwestern Wildcats
- PointsCade Tyson24Minnesota Golden Gophers
- AssistsLangston Reynolds13Minnesota Golden Gophers
- ReboundsIsaac Asuma9Minnesota Golden Gophers
Recent form
Northwestern Wildcats
Last 10: 5-5Streak W179.1 scored · 74 allowed per game4-2 at home
- W80-60vs Howard BisonDec 30
- L58-61at Butler BulldogsDec 20
- W86-70vs Valparaiso BeaconsDec 17
- W93-53vs Jackson State TigersDec 13
- L82-86vs Ohio State BuckeyesDec 6
- L73-85at Wisconsin BadgersDec 4
- L81-86vs Oklahoma State CowboysNov 28
- W79-77vs South Carolina GamecocksNov 23
- L78-83at Virginia CavaliersNov 21
- W81-79at DePaul Blue DemonsNov 15
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Last 10: 6-4Streak W370.3 scored · 64.9 allowed per game0-2 away
- W60-43vs Fairleigh Dickinson KnightsDec 30
- W78-50vs Campbell Fighting CamelsDec 21
- W89-53vs Texas Southern TigersDec 14
- L57-85at Purdue BoilermakersDec 11
- W73-64vs Indiana HoosiersDec 4
- L75-86at Santa Clara BroncosNov 29
- L68-72vs Stanford CardinalNov 28
- L65-77vs San Francisco DonsNov 22
- W66-54vs Chicago State CougarsNov 19
- W72-65vs Green Bay PhoenixNov 16
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 37-3 | - | 19-1 |
| Nebraska | 28-7 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Michigan State | 27-8 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Illinois | 28-9 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Wisconsin | 24-11 | 5 | 14-6 |
| Purdue | 30-9 | 6 | 13-7 |
| UCLA | 24-12 | 6 | 13-7 |
| Ohio State | 21-13 | 7 | 12-8 |
| Iowa | 24-13 | 9 | 10-10 |
| Indiana | 18-14 | 10 | 9-11 |
| Minnesota | 15-18 | 11 | 8-12 |
| USC | 18-14 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Washington | 16-17 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Rutgers | 14-20 | 13 | 6-14 |
| Northwestern | 15-19 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Oregon | 12-20 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Maryland | 12-21 | 15 | 4-16 |
| Penn State | 12-20 | 16 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Minnesota Golden Gophers | Northwestern Wildcats |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 28-51 | 28-57 |
| Field goal % | 55 | 49 |
| Three-pointers | 6-18 | 6-23 |
| Three-point % | 33 | 26 |
| Free throws | 22-26 | 16-20 |
| Free throw % | 85 | 80 |
| Rebounds | 33 | 20 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 5 |
| Defensive rebounds | 25 | 15 |
| Assists | 25 | 18 |
| Steals | 2 | 7 |
| Blocks | 1 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 4 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 4 | 14 |
| Fast-break points | 11 | 6 |
| Points in the paint | 42 | 38 |
| Fouls | 16 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 6 | 7 |
| Lead changes | 12 | 12 |
| Time in front | 20 | 64 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half50-57Nick Martinelli makes 5-foot hook shot (Arrinten Page assists)
- 2nd Half52-57Bobby Durkin makes 12-foot floating jump shot (Langston Reynolds assists)
- 2nd Half52-59Nick Martinelli makes layup (Arrinten Page assists)
- 2nd Half54-59Cade Tyson makes layup (Langston Reynolds assists)
- 2nd Half55-59Bobby Durkin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-59Jaylen Crocker-Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-60Arrinten Page makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-61Arrinten Page makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-61Grayson Grove makes 4-foot dunk (Langston Reynolds assists)
- 2nd Half58-62Arrinten Page makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-63Arrinten Page makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-63Grayson Grove makes 2-foot dunk (Langston Reynolds assists)
- 2nd Half60-65Nick Martinelli makes driving layup (Jayden Reid assists)
- 2nd Half60-66Arrinten Page makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-67Arrinten Page makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-67Grayson Grove makes 0-foot dunk (Cade Tyson assists)
- 2nd Half64-67Cade Tyson makes driving layup (Langston Reynolds assists)
- 2nd Half65-67Cade Tyson makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half68-67Jaylen Crocker-Johnson makes 26-foot three pointer (Isaac Asuma assists)
- 2nd Half68-68Jayden Reid makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-69Jayden Reid makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-69Langston Reynolds makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-69Langston Reynolds makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-69Grayson Grove makes 3-foot dunk (Langston Reynolds assists)
- 2nd Half72-70Nick Martinelli makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-70Cade Tyson makes 29-foot three point jumper (Grayson Grove assists)
- 2nd Half76-70Langston Reynolds makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half76-72Arrinten Page makes 3-foot alley oop dunk (Jayden Reid assists)
- 2nd Half77-72Cade Tyson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-72Cade Tyson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half78-74Nick Martinelli makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half78-73Nick Martinelli makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-76Nick Martinelli makes 15-foot jumper (Jayden Reid assists)
- 2nd Half79-76Cade Tyson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half80-76Cade Tyson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half80-78Jayden Reid makes 8-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half81-78Isaac Asuma makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half82-78Isaac Asuma makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half83-78Bobby Durkin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half84-78Bobby Durkin makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Northwestern Wildcats, below favours Minnesota Golden Gophers.
Venue
- Welsh-Ryan ArenaEvanston, IL
- Attendance5088
- OfficialsLarry Scirotto, Mike Reed, Andy O'Brien
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond