Austin Hollins leads No. 9 Minnesota past Northwestern 69-51 with 5 3-pointers in 2nd half

Minnesota forward Trevor Mbakwe (32) celebrates a basket while Northwestern guard Kale Abrahamson looks on during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy King) (The Associated Press)

Northwestern guard Dave Sobolewski (3) passes out of pressure from Minnesota center Elliott Eliason (55) and Maverick Ahanmisi during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy King) (The Associated Press)

Austin Hollins hit five 3-pointers during an impressive three-minute stretch in the second half, finishing with 19 points and sparking ninth-ranked Minnesota to a 69-51 victory over Northwestern on Sunday night.

Hollins missed his career scoring high by one, collecting 17 points during a 26-7 run that gave the Gophers a 45-25 lead. Minnesota (14-1, 2-0 Big Ten) has won 10 in a row for its longest winning streak since it opened the 2008-09 season with 12 straight victories.

Dave Sobolewski had 10 points, five assists and four steals for the Wildcats (9-6, 0-2), who were outrebounded 47-20.