Hill, Pass lead balanced scoring and NC State routs South Carolina Upstate 97-66

By The Associated Press

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Marcus Hill and Breon Pass scored 14 points each and North Carolina State cruised past South Carolina Upstate 97-66 in a season opener. Brandon Huntley-Hatfield scored 13 points and Ben Middlebrooks had 10 points and 10 rebounds for the Wolfpack. NC State led 50-35 at halftime and the Wolfpack stretched their lead to 20-plus in the first four minutes of the second half. With the exception of just a few possessions, the lead was at least 20 throughout the remainder of the game. The lead first reached 30 on a layup by Middlebrooks near the five-minute mark and peaked at 33 when Bryce Heard hit two free throws in the final minute.