Fort Collins, CO -- (Sports Network) - Paul Carter converted a layup with 18.7 seconds to go, as the Minnesota Golden Gophers nipped the Colorado State Rams, 72-71, in non-conference action at Moby Arena.

Carter connected on 4-of-7 shots from the floor en route to eight points. Blake Hoffarber paced Minnesota (4-0) with a game-high 20 points off the bench, while Al Nolen had 16 points in the win.

Andre McFarland and Andy Ogide each tallied 16 points for the Rams (2-1), while Dan Vandervieren had 15 points and eight boards off the bench.

In the first half, the Rams hit on 52.2 percent from the floor and made all 11 of their free-throw attempts, opening a 38-32 edge at the break.

Minnesota battled back in the second half and took a 72-71 lead on Carter's layup with 18 seconds left. Colorado State had a couple of chances to win the game, but couldn't get any shots to fall in the closing moments.

The Golden Gophers forced 20 turnovers in the game, generating 27 points from those miscues.