COL BKB: N.C. State 69, Marist 62

RALEIGH, N.C., March 17 (UPI) -- Ben McCauley had 19 points and 10 rebounds Friday night as N.C. State beat Marist, 69-62, in the second round of the NIT.

In an up and down first half, NCSU forged a 33-19 halftime lead after Marist spurted to 11-4 lead.

The winners would then quell a major Marist rally in the final 20 minutes.

Gavin Grant had 13 points and 12 rebounds; Dennis Horner scored 13 points; Engin Atsur had 12 points, three rebounds, and three assists; and Brandon Costner had 10 points and seven rebounds for the Wolfpack (20-15), who will face West Virginia in the quarterfinals.

Will Whittington led Marist with 18 points and three assists.

Jared Jordan had 11 points and six rebounds; James Smith had 10 points and seven rebounds; while Wilfred Benjamin scored 10 points for the Red Foxes, who finished their season at 25-9.