RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- Julius Hodge had 27 points and finished an assist and a rebound short of the second triple-double of his career, leading No. 12 North Carolina State past Liberty 94-60 Saturday.<br>
<br>
Hodge, who had nine rebounds and nine assists, scored in double figures for the 23rd straight game. Freshman Andrew Brackman had a season-high 13 points for the Wolfpack (7-0), who matched their best start under ninth-year coach Herb Sendek.<br>
<br>
Two years ago, Hodge had the first triple-double in school history in a victory over North Carolina A&T. Like that game, this one was played on campus at historic Reynolds Coliseum, about 5 miles away from N.C. State's new home, the RBC Center.<br>
<br>
The Wolfpack improved to 3-0 in what has been dubbed the "Heritage Game." <br>
<br>
The Flames (1-5) only have beaten Division III Shenandoah this season, and that victory came in overtime. Larry Blair scored 22 points and was the only player in double figures for Liberty, which shot only 40 percent and made 14 turnovers.<br>
<br>
Down the stretch, the only real drama was whether Hodge would reach his triple-double. He got his ninth assist with about 7 1/2 minutes left, feeding Brackman for a layup, and added his ninth rebound a bit later.<br>
<br>
Hodge had a chance to add to his totals, but Cameron Bennerman missed an open 3-pointer after a pass from Hodge and Brackman stole a defensive rebound. With 5 minutes remaining, Hodge left for good to a standing ovation.<br>
<br>
Liberty, which made the NCAA tournament for the second time last season, led once in the first half and still was within 30-24 with about 5 minutes left before halftime. Carried by Hodge, the Wolfpack closed with a 22-7 run to take control. <br>
<br>
He made a free throw and a jumper, then fed Levi Watkins for an open 3. After the Flames missed a couple of chances in close, Hodge drove to the rim on a fast break, with only Evan Risher to beat.<br>
<br>
Hodge used a nifty crossover dribble to get past Risher and rose high for a dunk, giving N.C. State a 40-26 lead and forcing a Liberty timeout. Then he assisted on three baskets, including a layup and a slam by freshman Cedric Simmons.<br>
<br>
But Hodge saved his best for last, finding Gavin Grant alone in the waning seconds for another jam, and the Wolfpack led by 21 at the break. An 8-2 run to start the final 20 minutes sealed it.
