Funderburk, Bates spark N.C. State in NIT opener

North Carolina State forward DJ Funderburk (0) dunks over Davidson forward Sam Mennenga (3) in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the first round of the NIT, Thursday, March 18, 2021, in Denton, Texas. (AP Photo/Matt Strasen)

North Carolina State guard Braxton Beverly (10) drives to the basket past Davidson forward Hyunjung Lee (1) in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the first round of the NIT, Thursday, March 18, 2021, in Denton, Texas. (AP Photo/Matt Strasen)

North Carolina State guard Shakeel Moore (2) shoots between Davidson guard Grant Huffman (5) and forward Luka Brajkovic (35) in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the first round of the NIT, Thursday, March 18, 2021, in Denton, Texas. (AP Photo/Matt Strasen)

North Carolina State guard Cam Hayes (3) and Davidson guard Kellan Grady (31) go after a loose ball in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the first round of the NIT, Thursday, March 18, 2021, in Denton, Texas. (AP Photo/Matt Strasen)

North Carolina State forward Jericole Hellems (4) drives to the basket on Davidson guard Carter Collins (24) in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the first round of the NIT, Thursday, March 18, 2021, in Denton, Texas. (AP Photo/Matt Strasen)

North Carolina State forward Manny Bates (15) goes after a rebound with Davidson forward Bates Jones (25) in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the first round of the NIT, Thursday, March 18, 2021, in Denton, Texas. (AP Photo/Matt Strasen)