Destiny Pitts scored the Gophers' final seven points of the game, on her way to 19 points, helping Minnesota beat Northwestern 61-54 to stop a three-game losing streak.
It was the third straight game that Pitts has scored exactly 19 points for the Gophers, who also got 17 points from Kenisha Bell and 14 from Jasmine Brunson.
The Gophers (14-7, 3-7 Big Ten) turned a two-point halftime lead into a 14-point margin in the third quarter at Welsh-Ryan Arena, and held on to stop Northwestern's three-game winning streak.
"We dug ourselves a hole by turning the ball over, kind of gave Minnesota chances to get some easy baskets and maybe force us into not getting enough possessions and shots," said Northwestern coach Joe McKeown. "Give them credit. Their three guards really played well tonight."
It was just the third Big Ten win of the season under first-year coach Lindsay Whalen, the other two coming at the expense of Wisconsin.
Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah led the Wildcats (13-8, 6-4) with 14 points.