For one I like that Minnesota has an extra day of rest and preparation for their biggest game of the year. If they want to go to the tournament they can't lose this game. They dominated Northwestern the first time particularly because they held them to 32% shooting. Why? Well Northwestern really only has 2 scoring options in John Shurna and Drew Crawford who shot a combined 10 for 31 in the first match up. Minnesota has a very good defense and are holding opponents to 40.4% in their last 5 games while Northwestern just 49.4% in their last 5.
I think this will be a game that Minnesota concentrates on getting out to an early lead. That's one thing that has plagued them this year they outplayed Ohio State for most of the game last time out but got off to a 20-0 defecit. Northwestern has been outscored in the 1st and 2nd half in conference play and are 300th in the nation in rebound % while Minnesota is 84th. I think Minnesota has proven they can win on the road and if they can avoid the slow start should go on to win this game. Overall I think Northwestern will struggle to score points against Minnesota's defense at times and they won't get enough second chance opportunities to win the game.
