Derrick Williams scored 24 points to lead Arizona to an impressive road win over North Carolina State, 72-62, Sunday in Raleigh, N.C.

Arizona (10-2) led by four at halftime and answered every North Carolina State run in the second half. The Wolfpack (6-4) got to within five, 67-62, on Richard Howell's traditional three-point play with two minutes left. But N.C. State missed its final three field-goal attempts and dropped its first home game of the season.

In a relatively evenly played game, the free throw line was the difference. The Wildcats outscored the Wolfpack 24-15 at the foul line, helping them win their second straight game. Williams hit 10-of-11 free throws.

Tracy Smith, North Carolina State's leading returning scorer and rebounder, saw action for the first time in seven games. Smith has been sidelined with a knee injury for all but two games this season. He finished with 0 points on just one field-goal attempt in limited action.

Without Smith, the Wolfpack struggled to match up on the inside with Williams, who has scored in double figures every game this season.

Scott Wood led North Carolina State with 16 points, and Lorenzo Brown added 14.

Williams was the only Wildcat starter in double figures, but Kevin Parrom and Jesse Perry came off the bench to add 11 and 10 respectively.

The Wolfpack have five more games left in their current eight-game homestand, beginning with Wednesday's game against Delaware State.

Arizona returns home to face Robert Morris, before opening Pac-10 play at Oregon on Dec. 30.