Williams leads Minnesota past USC

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Rodney Williams had 12 points -- including two dunks -- plus nine rebounds and four steals to give Minnesota some energy for a 55-40 victory over struggling Southern California on Saturday. Julian Welch scored 16 points with six assists, and Williams scored in double digits for the second straight game after moving from the perimeter into standout Trevor Mbakwe's power forward spot. Austin Hollins added 11 points on three 3-pointers, and the Gophers (8-1) used a 12-1 run to close the first half and cruise through the final 20 minutes. Maurice Jones had 14 points, three assists and two steals for the Trojans (4-5), who have missed the 60-point mark in five of their nine games. Sophomore center Dewayne Dedmon, who suffered a stress injury to his right foot, returned ahead of schedule but was a nonfactor.