Associated Press
RALEIGH ó North Carolina State knew it would have a huge inside size advantage against North Carolina Central.
The Wolfpack didn’t squander a golden opportunity in an 87-59 victory over North Carolina Central (2-23) on Tuesday night.
N.C. State (12-8) had a 52-18 advantage in points in the paint to go with its 54-14 rebounding edge.
“This isn’t a knock against them, but they have a couple of guys hurt and we’re supposed to do that on nights like this because of how big and strong we are,” said Brandon Costner, who had 25 points and 13 rebounds (nine offensive). “Ben (McCauley) and I used our height to our advantage.”
The 54 rebounds were the most for N.C. State since it grabbed 51 against UNC-Asheville on Dec. 15, 2001. It also tied the most rebounds in the RBC Center since the Wolfpack grabbed 54 against Liberty on Dec. 17, 1999.
McCauley, who added 17 points and 12 boards, helped the Wolfpack overcome a slow start by hitting four of his first five shots from the field in the first half.
TOP 25
ROSEMONT, Ill. ó Jerel McNeal scored 26 points and Marquette won its 12th straight, matching its longest winning streak in seven years.
The Golden Eagles (20-2, 9-0), the Big East’s only undefeated team, sent the Blue Demons (8-15, 0-10) to their 10th straight loss and kept them winless in the league.
Ohio St. 80, No. 12 Purdue 72, OT
COLUMBUS, Ohio ó Evan Turner scored six of his 26 points in overtime and Ohio State ended the Boilermakers’ six-game winning streak.
William Buford had 22 points and fellow freshman B.J. Mullens added 17 as the Buckeyes (16-5, 6-4 Big Ten) won their third straight while shooting 60 percent from the field.
Purdue (17-5, 6-3), which needed a win to share the Big Ten lead with No. 13 Michigan State, had not permitted an opponent to shoot better than 43 percent all season.
OTHERS
GAINESVILLE, Fla. ó Nick Calathes scored 22 points, Alex Tyus added 19 and Florida avenged a disheartening loss to South Carolina two weeks ago with a 97-93 victory.
Florida (19-4, 6-2 Southeastern Conference) won for the 13th time in its past 15 games, snapped South Carolina’s four-game winning streak ó and with help from Mississippi State ó took over sole possession in the Eastern Division. Devan Downey led South Carolina (16-5, 5-3) with 33 points. Zam Frederick added 17 and Dominique Archie chipped in 16.
Old Dominion 71, Towson 62.
NORFOLK, Va. ó Gerald Lee scored 19 points and had 11 rebounds to lead Old Dominion to a 71-62 victory over Towson on Tuesday night.
Former West Rowan star Junior Hairston fouled out and was just 2 of 6 from the field for four points.