David Lighty had 19 points and Jared Sullinger added 15 points and 12 rebounds as second-ranked Ohio State remained unbeaten by holding off visiting No. 21 Minnesota 67-64 Sunday afternoon.

The Gophers (12-4, 1-3 Big Ten) trailed by as many as 18 in the second half, but cut the lead to 63-59 with 1:36 left. Minnesota had the ball down three in the final minute, but Ohio State’s defense was able to force two missed shots and William Buford blocked another just before the buzzer.

Junior Trevor Mbakwe led the Gophers with 16 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks. Senior Al Nolen added 11 points and six assists.

The Buckeyes (16-0, 3-0 Big Ten) are off to their best start since going 17-0 in 1990-91. Freshman Aaron Craft had 11 points and seven assists for Ohio State.

Lighty, who set a school record by being part of his 111th victory, had 13 points in the first half to lead the Buckeyes.

Minnesota was down two after a Ralph Sampson III jumper with 7:24 left in the first half, but the Buckeyes outscored the Gophers 12-4 the rest of the way for a 32-22 halftime advantage. It was the lowest point total in the first half for Minnesota this season.