Lexi Klein Portfolio

PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Brooks Barnhizer scored 16 points to lift Northwestern to a 65-53 victory Sunday over Rutgers.

Rutgers started the game up 10-3. Northwestern answered with a 19-4 run. At halftime, Northwestern led 25-21. Northwestern outscored Rutgers 40-32 in the second half. Rutgers shot 11% from 3-point range and 52% from the foul line.

With the victory, Northwestern finished with 12 conference wins, its most ever, and second in the Big Ten Conference – its best finish in 64 years.

Barnhizer also had 10 rebounds for his first career double-double. Boo Buie added 14. Ty Berry had 12.

For Rutgers, Clifford Omoruyi finished with 14 points. Derek Simpson added 12.

The Big Ten tournament starts Wednesday in Chicago. Rutgers plays Michigan Thursday. Northwestern plays Friday against the Penn State-Illinois winner.