PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- Jordan Murphy scored 17 points and had 11 rebounds to lead Minnesota past Rutgers 72-63 on Saturday.
Nate Mason and Amir Coffey added 16 and 12 points, respectively, for the Gophers (18-7, 6-6 Big Ten). Eric Curry made all five of his shots and scored 11 points.
Rutgers (13-13, 2-11) was led by C.J. Gettys, who had a team-high eight rebounds, and Mike Williams with 14 points each. Corey Sanders added 13 points, five assists and five rebounds.
The Scarlet Knights, who trailed by 12 early in the second half, cut the lead to five after Williams hit a 3-pointer to make it 66-61 with 4:02 to play. Murphy fouled out at the 2:28 mark with Minnesota leading 68-61 and Rutgers again pulled within five, 68-63, on a Gettys tip-in with 1:44 remaining before the Gophers made four free throws in the final minute.
BIG PICTURE
Minnesota: Ranked No. 24 last month, the Gophers followed up the ranking with five straight losses before reeling off three wins in a row. Minnesota is trying to up its seeding in the Big Ten Tournament and gain a bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Rutgers: After starting the season 11-1, the Scarlet have fallen to .500 for the first time under first-year coach Steve Pikiell.
UP NEXT
Minnesota: Host to Indiana on Wednesday.
Rutgers: Travels to Purdue on Tuesday.
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