RALEIGH, N.C. (Interstat) — Paul McNeil erupted for a career-high 47 points, fueling a blistering offensive display as North Carolina State overwhelmed Texas Southern 108-72 in a nonconference men’s basketball game Wednesday night at Lenovo Center.

The sophomore guard from Rockingham, North Carolina, shattered his previous season high, set just days earlier, by connecting on 10 3-pointers and going a perfect 11-for-11 from the free-throw line. His performance was the catalyst for a Wolfpack attack that operated with ruthless efficiency, scoring 108 points on just 70 possessions for a staggering offensive rating of 154.7.

North Carolina State (8-4) seized control from the opening tip, racing to a 23-point halftime lead behind McNeil’s 26 first-half points. The Wolfpack shot 51% from the field for the game and hit 17 of 40 attempts from beyond the arc. They also dominated at the free-throw line, making 23 of 27, and forced 12 Texas Southern turnovers while committing only six of their own.

The most important part of the game was the opening salvo, which effectively decided the contest within minutes. After a Texas Southern turnover on its first possession, McNeil drained a 3-pointer 39 seconds into the game. He followed with another three on the next trip, and after a Quadir Copeland jumper, McNeil hit his third 3-pointer in the first 2:04 of play. By the time Texas Southern coach Johnny Jones called a timeout with 17:54 left in the half, the Wolfpack led 11-0, and the Tigers never recovered. McNeil’s early flurry set a relentless tone, and North Carolina State’s lead never dipped below double digits.

Texas Southern (1-8), playing its third power-conference opponent in a difficult early schedule, struggled to match the Wolfpack’s firepower. The Tigers shot just 40% from the field and 5-for-24 from 3-point range. They were led by Zaire Hayes of Houston, who scored 17 points, and Alex Anderson of Memphis, who added 14 points and four assists. Bryce Roberts of Bossier City, Louisiana, also scored 14 points.

Beyond McNeil’s historic night, North Carolina State received balanced contributions. Jerry Deng of Rochester, New York, scored 14 points, while Quadir Copeland of Philadelphia dished out nine assists. The Wolfpack’s defensive pressure was also key, tallying eight steals and seven blocks.

The game, attended by 5,500 fans, saw North Carolina State cover the pregame spread of 33 points. The combined score of 180 points sailed over the over/under line of 157.5.

Texas Southern, which has lost eight straight since a season-opening win, will look to rebound at home against Abilene Christian on Monday. North Carolina State, which improved to 6-1 at home this season, will host Mississippi in a neutral-site game at Greensboro on Saturday.