Darrion Williams poured in a career-high 32 points in North Carolina State’s 110-64 home victory against UNC Greensboro on Wednesday night in Raleigh, N.C.
The Wolfpack played short-handed with the early ejection of guard Tre Holloman, but they had plenty of offensive firepower. Williams made 12 of 19 shots, including six 3-pointers, from the field.
Paul McNeil Jr. racked up 14 of his career-best 27 points in the first half, also finishing with six 3-point baskets. Quadir Copeland’s 13 points and reserve Matt Able’s 10 points also came in handy as the Wolfpack (3-0) prevailed for a third straight lopsided home result to begin the season.
NC State made 16 of 32 attempts from beyond the 3-point arc. Williams had 10 rebounds. Donald Whitehead Jr. notched 21 points for UNC Greensboro (0-3).
Justin Neely, who grabbed 13 rebounds, and Lilian Marville each ended with nine points, but the Spartans, coming off an overtime home loss to Elon, were outscored 63-27 in the second half.
The Wolfpack put together a 23-0 run.
UNCG committed 16 turnovers compared to NC State’s four.
The Wolfpack built a 68-48 lead with 11:32 remaining. A few minutes later, NC State’s 7-0 spurt pushed the margin to 80-54. The Wolfpack eclipsed the 100-mark on Able’s trey with just less than three minutes remaining.
Less than 5 minutes into the game, there was a scrum that became physical in front of the UNCG bench. Holloman, who averaged 14.5 points across the Wolfpack’s first two games, was ejected and teammate Copeland was assessed a technical foul, with the Wolfpack holding a 12-9 lead.
UNCG led 27-24 before McNeil made two 3-pointers as part of NC State’s 17-4 run. The Wolfpack, who had one turnover across the first 20 minutes, held a 47-37 halftime edge.
The teams combined to attempt 44 first-half free throws in a slow-moving game.
