Julian Welch hit the go-ahead free throws with 16 seconds left and finished with 15 points as Minnesota edged visiting Virginia Tech 58-55 in the Big Ten-ACC Challenge on Wednesday.

Rodney Williams added 14 points and eight rebounds for the Golden Gophers (6-1), who were playing without Trevor Mbakwe and Ralph Sampson III.

Minnesota trailed, 28-25, at the half but came out of the break strong, ripping off a 17-9 burst to grab the lead. Erick Green would not let the Gophers pull away, hitting a pair of 3-pointers to keep the Hokies to within one possession.

Green’s layup with 25 seconds left gave Virginia Tech the lead back, 55-54. But Welch drew a foul on the other end and hit the two free throws.

The Hokies had one last chance following a timeout but they fumbled the inbounds pass into the backcourt for an over-and-back violation.

Green, who slid off the raised court and appeared to hurt his right shoulder with 17 seconds left but came back on the court, missed a desperation 3-point attempt at the buzzer.

Green finished with 25 points for Virginia Tech (5-2).