COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Moments after Minnesota had lost for the fourth time in five games, 71-45 at No. 18 Ohio State, coach Tubby Smith was asked if he still felt he had an NCAA-caliber team.

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (AP) - Rodney Williams and Andre Hollins each scored 24 points to help Minnesota advance to the semifinals of the NIT with a 78-72 win over Middle Tennessee on Wednesday night.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Rodney Williams tied his career high with 21 points, Austin Hollins had 16 and Minnesota beat La Salle 70-61 Wednesday night in the opening round of the NIT.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) - Brandon Paul scored a breakaway dunk that put Illinois ahead in double overtime and Meyers Leonard hit the layup that sealed an 81-72 victory over Minnesota in a Big Ten opener Tuesday night.

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