COL BKB: N.C. State 68, Alabama 64

TUSCALOOSA, Ala., Dec. 23 (UPI) -- Ilian Evtimov and Engin Atsur scored 15 points each Thursday night to help 18th-ranked North Carolina State overcome Alabama, 68-64.

Cameron Bennerman, who was 6-for-15 from the field, added 14 points and three rebounds while Emtimov added five boards and three assists for the Wolfpack (9-1), who have won four in a row since their lone loss to Iowa on Nov. 30 in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge.

Chuck Davis scored 18 points and Ronald Steele added 14 for the Crimson Tide (5-4), who have lost three of their last four games.

Alabama won the battle on the glass by 31-26. Both teams made nine turnovers.

N.C. State led by 33-28 at the break.