By Teddy GreensteinRALEIGH, N.C. -- Visits to Tobacco Road are more likely to yield barbecue than basketball victories. But Northwestern was unfazed Tuesday night, marching into the RBC Center and strolling out the door with a 65-53 victory.
It's the first ever road victory for Northwestern in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge against five defeats.
Northwestern improved to 6-1 in convincing fashion. The Wildcats trailed 1-0 after a Tracy Smith free throw and then led the rest of the game. After the Wolfpack cut their lead and got the crowd on its feet with a thunderous dunk by Smith, the Wildcats fired back and outscored their opponents 12-4 the rest of the way.
Michael "Juice" Thompson had a huge second half to lead his team with 22 points. Jeremy Nash (12) and John Shurna also hit double figures.
Photo: Northwestern's Jeremy Nash is called for a foul as he runs into North Carolina State's Tracy Smith. (AP / Ethan Hyman)
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Great win for the Cats. Looking like the team's coming together fine without Coble.
Great defense led to an impressive win. Northwestern looking good.
Impressive win. Who Dat, sober up you lush.
Congratulation guys on another great win.
Who dat? Who Dat? Go Brees! Way to spank them Patriots!