Minnesota 70, Appalachian St. 56

Rodney Williams tied a career-high with 18 points as Minnesota held off Appalachian State 70-56 Tuesday night.

Williams broke a 52-52 tie with a 3-pointer as the shot clock expired with 4:45 to play, followed by Chip Armelin's three-point play and Julian Welch's layup - both off of steals - to put the Gophers (9-1) ahead for good. Welch had 15 points for the Gophers and freshman Joe Coleman scored 10.

Ralph Sampson III, who missed two games due to a left ankle injury, supplied 10 points and five rebounds off the bench for Minnesota.

Omar Carter led the Mountaineers (4-4) with 18 points. Rodney Milum added a career-high 16 points, going 5 for 9 from behind the 3-point line.