MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota forward Kyle Rau had his first career hat trick as the top-ranked Golden Gophers beat Alaska-Anchorage 7-1 Saturday.

Rau’s third goal of the night — and 13th of the season — extended Minnesota’s lead to 5-1 early in the third period.

“I got lucky,” Rau said.

The Gophers are unbeaten in their last nine games (8-0-1) to climb into the race for the lead in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association.

Nate Condon added two goals and Seth Ambrosz had a goal and an assist for the Gophers (16-3-3, 8-3-3). Nate Schmidt assisted on four goals.

Matt Bailey scored the only goal of the game for the Seawolves (3-13-4, 1-12-3).

Adam Wilcox made 10 saves for Minnesota to earn his 14th win of the season. UAA goalie Rob Gunderson had 24 saves. Minnesota outshot UAA 31-13.

Minnesota added two more power-play goals, including one in the first period for a 2-0 lead. The Gophers had five power-play goals in the series.

It wasn’t until late in the third period that Minnesota took control.

“We were able to get that (third and fourth) goals on the board and it made that mountain a little too high for them tonight,” Minnesota coach Don Lucia said. “Rau was great. He’s a goal-scorer and he’s starting to come on.”

Michael Shibrowski played eight minutes of the third period for Minnesota and made two saves.

Minnesota beat the Seawolves 4-3 on Friday.

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