N.C. State Nails 'Cross, 78-68

North Carolina State advanced into the semifinals of the National Invitational Basketball Tournament last night, soundly defeating Holy Cross, 78-68.

The Wolfpack bolted to a 22-point lead, 54-32, early in the second half, behind the torrid shooting of Al Green and all-American Kenny Carr. Green laced 23 points to lead the Pack, which now sports a 20-8 slate for the season.

The sizeable lead was enough to withstand the late comeback charge by the Crusaders, who then scored 13 unanswered points to pull within nine. But State stretched the lead to 17 with five minutes remaining to ice the game.

Bill Doran led Holy Cross with 17 points.