N.C. State Beats Boise State 81-70 in Maui Invitational

LAHAINA, Hawaii — N.C. State defeated Boise State 81-70 on Tuesday at the Maui Invitational, marking a strong comeback after their first season loss. The Wolfpack, now 5-1, showcased high energy and aggressive defense throughout the game.

Darrion Williams led N.C. State with 16 points before fouling out. Teammates Ven-Allen Lubin and Terrance Arceneaux each scored 11 points. Lubin also recorded a double-double with 12 rebounds, while Paul McNeil Jr. contributed 10 points.

For Boise State, Dylan Andrews scored a game-high 26 points, including five 3-pointers. Pearson Carmichael and Javan Buchanan added 11 and 10 points, respectively, as the Broncos fell to 4-3 on the season.

The opening moments saw N.C. State make an 11-2 run, taking early control of the game. However, Boise State responded with a 16-2 run to take a 26-22 lead, the Broncos’ largest of the game.

N.C. State regrouped, finishing the first half with a 34-28 advantage after a 12-2 run. In the second half, Boise State opened with an 11-2 run, momentarily pulling ahead. But Quadir Copeland’s free throws shifted the momentum back to the Wolfpack.

N.C. State shot 50% from the field and made 27 of 54 shots, while Boise State struggled with a shooting percentage of 34%. The Wolfpack capitalized on turnovers, scoring 24 points off of 15 mistakes made by the Broncos.

Looking ahead, N.C. State will play the winner of the Chaminade-Texas match to vie for fifth place on Wednesday, while Boise State faces the loser for seventh place.