Hickson, playing in his first collegiate game, sparked a 19-6 run late in the first half to give the Wolfpack a 39-26 cushion at the intermission.

Brandon Costner added 13 points and 12 rebounds for N.C. State, which began its second season under Coach Sidney Lowe -- who led the Wolfpack to 20 victories last year.

William & Mary fell to 0-2, with Laimis Kisielius scoring 12 points and David Schneider nine.

The Tribe closed its deficit to five points with 8:42 left in the second half only to see North Carolina State produce a 17-3 surge that put the game away.