C.J. Bryce scored 16 points to lead six players in double-figure scoring as North Carolina State pulled away to defeat visiting Florida International 86-77 on Wednesday night at PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C.
It was a struggle at times for the Wolfpack (2-1) as Florida International led early in the second half.
Devon Daniels and Pat Andree each scored 14 points off the bench as the Wolfpack got strong production from their reserves.
NC State forward DJ Funderburk played for the first time this season after sitting out because of a team-related suspension. He posted 11 points, with seven of those on free throws, to go with seven rebounds, which matched the team high.
Markell Johnson and Manny Bates added 10 points apiece for the Wolfpack, which have played all of their games at home.
Devon Andrews' 21 points and Tevin Brewer's 19 paced Florida International (1-2). Osasumwen Osaghae chipped in with 11 points and seven rebounds.
The Wolfpack took advantage of Florida International turnovers to help turn the momentum. By the end, the Panthers had 22 giveaways, most of them in the second half.
NC State made 6 of 7 shots from the field during a key second-half stretch. The Wolfpack might have put the game away earlier if not for 10 missed free throws, shooting 18 of 28 (64.3 percent).
The Wolfpack overcame 6-for-23 shooting on 3-pointers.
Andree, a reserve forward, made four consecutive 3-point baskets in the first half. He had 14 points by the half and was the team's only player with more than four points across the opening 20 minutes.
Florida International wiped out a seven-point hole to forge a 37-37 halftime tie.
NC State has won two games in a row since a season-opening home loss in overtime to Georgia Tech.
This was the first meeting between the teams since November 1991. NC State has won all three matchups.
--Field Level Media
Florida International | NC State | |
Devon Andrews 21 | Scoring | C.J. Bryce 16 |
Tevin Brewer 4 | Assists | Markell Johnson 4 |
Devon Andrews 7 | Rebounds | C.J. Bryce 7 |
Devon Andrews 5 | Free Throws Made | DJ Funderburk 7 |
Trejon Jacob 3 | Steals | DJ Funderburk 2 |
Osasumwen Osaghae 4 | Blocks | Manny Bates 2 |
Team | Points | FG% | 3PM-3PA | FTM-FTA | Assists | Rebounds | Blocks | Steals | Turnovers |
Florida International | 77 | 51.0 | 10-23 | 15-20 | 12 | 28 | 7 | 8 | 22 |
NC State | 86 | 44.9 | 6-23 | 18-28 | 11 | 31 | 4 | 8 | 12 |