COL BKB: Wake Forest 85, N.C. State 78

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., Feb. 26 (UPI) -- A career night from James Johnson Thursday allowed No. 14 Wake Forest to pick up a much-needed, 85-78 victory over North Carolina State.

Johnson scored 28 points and grabbed 18 rebounds -- the highest totals he has produced in both categories during his two years with the Demon Deacons. He helped Wake Forest avenge a loss at North Carolina State this month.

Ishmael Smith added 18 points and Chas McFarland had 15 for Wake Forest (21-5, 8-5 ACC), which had fallen out of contention for the conference title by losing four of its previous seven games.

The victory came despite an off night from Jeff Teague, who made just 3-of-12 shots from the field and scored 12 points.

North Carolina State (15-11, 5-8) was led by 18 points from Tracy Smith.

Wake Forest's lead was only four points with less than a minute to go, but the Demon Deacons made 5-of-6 from the foul line down the stretch.