Wolfpack Fights Off Challenge

Freshman Andrew Brackman scored a career-high 20 points and made several key plays during a decisive second-half run Wednesday night to lift No. 12 North Carolina State past Louisiana Lafayette, 78-72, at Raleigh, N.C.

Julius Hodge had 16 points for the Wolfpack (8-0), which overcame a first half in which it had 10 turnovers and trailed, 28-23. Brackman’s follow dunk with 10:23 left started a 7-0 run that put the game away.

Tiras Wade scored a career-high 37 points -- an RBC Center record -- and made five three-point baskets to lead the Ragin’ Cajuns (3-5), who hung around until the final seconds.

The Wolfpack is off to its best start since going 9-0 in 1981-82.

But Wade didn’t go quietly, making two free throws and then a contested, double-pump three-point shot to pull Louisiana Lafayette to 74-72 with 6.9 seconds to go. But Cameron Bennerman made two free throws to put the game away.

No. 3 Georgia Tech 72, James Madison 47 -- Isma’il Muhammad scored 14 points, and Jarrett Jack had 13 to lead the Yellow Jackets (7-0) to an unimpressive victory over the Dukes (2-4).

Georgia Tech, which shot only 36% (nine of 25) in the first half, finished at 47% (23 of 49) but struggled from the free-throw line, making only 18 of 35.

Leading scorer B.J. Elder, averaging 18.7 points, managed only four on one-for-seven shooting while Will Bynum had 10 on two-for-nine shooting.

No. 6 Wake Forest 85, Elon 67 -- Chris Paul had 14 points and a career-high 11 assists, helping the Demon Deacons (8-1) hold off the Phoenix (2-7) at Winston-Salem, N.C. Wake Forest trailed early in the second half but took control when Elon ended five of its next six possessions with a turnover.

No. 14 Texas 85, Texas Arlington 70 -- P.J. Tucker had 17 points and 10 rebounds, and the Longhorns (7-1) built an 18-point, first-half lead to beat the Mavericks (4-3) at Austin. Texas has won 34 of its last 35 home games and improved to 50-3 against in-state opponents under Rick Barnes.