Julian Welch scored 17 points and Andre Hollins added 16 to lead Minnesota past Indiana State 76-69 at the Old Spice Classic on Friday.
Chip Armelin added 13 points for Minnesota, which advances to Sunday night's championship game. Trevor Mbakwe, who entered averaging 16 points, had seven of his nine points during the second half.
Indiana State (5-1) got 14 points from Jordan Printy. Jake Odum had 13.
Following several late lead changes, Minnesota went up 69-66 on Armelin's layup and two free throws by Welch with 1:24 remaining.
After Steve McWhorter missed a 3 on Indiana State's next possession, Armelin made it 71-66 after hitting two more free throws.
Mbakwe and teammate Rodney Williams, who combined for 34 points in Minnesota's 86-55 win over DePaul on Thursday, had just two points overall during the opening half.
