MINNEAPOLIS -- Rodney Williams had 15 points and seven rebounds as Minnesota defeated Tennessee State 72-43 Thursday night.

Andre Hollins added 13 points and Austin Hollins had 12 for the Gophers (3-0), whose 3-point shooting helped them build an 18-point halftime advantage that never dipped below 17 in the second half.

Kellen Thornton had 11 points and 13 rebounds for the Tigers (0-3), while Jordan Cyphers and Robert Covington added 10 points each. Tennessee State shot a season-low 23.7 percent from the floor thanks in part to a Minnesota defense that prevented quality looks.

The Gophers have limited their three opponents this season to a combined 26.6 percent shooting.

Minnesota held the Tigers without a point for more than six minutes in the second half, scoring 10 straight over that span to race ahead 53-26 and put the game out of reach.