Smith, Gonzalez lead North Carolina State to comeback win over Miami 71-66

Smith, Gonzalez lead N.C. State past Miami 71-66

CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Tracy Smith and Javier Gonzalez scored 19 points to lead North Carolina State to a 71-66 victory over Miami on Saturday.

The Wolfpack (16-13, 4-10 Atlantic Coast Conference) took the lead for good on Dennis Horner’s two free throws with 1:10 left for a 64-63 lead. Gonzalez converted six free throws in the next 35 seconds to secure the North Carolina State victory.

Down by nine early in the second half, North Carolina State took a 57-54 lead on Gonzalez’s 3-pointer with 5:06 remaining but James Dews’ 3-pointer with 3:32 left tied it 59-59.

The Wolfpack suffered a scare when Smith favored his right knee after colliding with Miami’s Durand Scott with 5:45 left in the second half. Smith was escorted to the bench but returned on the next dead ball.

Dwayne Collins led Miami (18-10, 4-10) with 15 points.