Costner leads Pack to win in Opener

11/15/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball

NEW ORLEANS (AP) -Brandon Costner scored 19 points to lead N.C. State to a 65-59 victory over New Orleans in the season opener for both teams on Saturday night.

The Wolfpack trailed by seven points in the first half before tying the game 31-31 at halftime. N.C. State outscored the Privateers 34-28 in the second half.

Ben McCauley scored 11 of his 17 points in the second half and Trevor Ferguson added 10 for N.C. State. Costner had seven rebounds to help the Wolfpack out rebound New Orleans 34-22.

T.J. Worley led New Orleans with 19 points, Darrian McKinstry scored 17 and Destin Damachoua had 10.

N.C. State opened the second half with a 17-7 run, as New Orleans made just two of its 12 shots to start the half.

McKinley made consecutive shots and Worley scored nine straight Privateers points as they got within four with 2:26 remaining, but never drew any closer.