Minnesotan Mark Senden had two goals and an assist for the Fighting Hawks who built a 3-0 lead.
Karl-Anthony Towns entered the night questionable because of a right index finger injury but played and scored 28 points.
Playing without its head coach, St. John's could not sustain an effective run game Saturday vs. Linfield and gifted the Wildcats opportunities to score.
Saturday's outdoor practice in St. Louis Park had players thinking about the upcoming Winter Classic on Jan. 1 at Target Field.