North Carolina State 98, Appalachian State 77: Returning sophomore T.J. Warren collected a game-high 27 points and eight rebounds as the host Wolfpack scored 31 of the first 40 points of the second half to pull away in the season opener for both teams.

New Mexico Junior College transfer Desmond Lee chipped in with 24 points on 10-of-12 shooting from the field. Tyler Lewis and Anthony Barber scored 15 and 13 points respectively while adding six assists apiece as North Carolina State quickly extended its 43-38 halftime lead.

Tevin Baskin scored 15 of his 24 points in the first half for Appalachian State, which remained within striking distance after shooting an impressive 56 percent from the field in the opening 20 minutes.

After Baskin's 3-pointer at the buzzer brought the Mountaineers to within five at intermission, the Wolfpack exploited the interior with a series of layups before finding their range from the outside.

Barber and Louisiana State transfer Ralston Turner bookended 3-pointers around a media timeout as North Carolina State enjoyed a 21-4 run over a 5:57 stretch to begin the second half. Appalachian State rebounded with a 13-4 run to trim its deficit to 78-62 with 6:18 remaining, but Warren made four layups in a 1:25 stretch as the Wolfpack pulled away.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Barber was fouled hard on a breakaway and remained on the floor for several moments during the first half, leading to a verbal exchange between Wolfpack coach Mark Gottfried and Appalachian State coach Jason Capel. Barber returned to the bench under his own power. ... Lewis made all six of his free-throw attempts. ... Both teams finished 15-for-22 from the free-throw line.