RALEIGH, N.C. - Better without Brandon.

N.C. State coach Sidney Lowe might finally have found the answer to his problems. Brandon Costner on the bench.

I'm not saying Costner can't be a contributor for this team, but the Wolfpack have a legitimate chance to turn things around with Ben McCauley in the starting lineup and Costner, woh has basically become a one-dimensional scorer, coming off the bench.

McCauley doesn't just give N.C. State unlimited energy, he's also arguably the team's best passer. He makes people better and his play is contagious.

The Wolfpack got off to a 27-8 start last night at home against Virginia Tech and held off the Hokies in the second half for the win. N.C. State is now 4-4 in ACC play and right in the mix - with plenty of other teams - for the third and fourth spots in the league.

McCauley's numbers don't really tell the whole story of his impact. For instance, he only finished with eight points and three rebounds in 34 minutes against Virginia Tech - but he makes it easier for talented freshman J.J. Hickson.

Hickson admitted that there were problems earlier in the season, but he said it's changed lately.

"The chemistry wasn't there," Hickson said. "A blind person could see that."

Hickson, who went to the foul line 17 times last night (Virginia Tech went just 10), said he has also begun to understand that the NBA will still be there for him and he doesn't need to push the envelope.

"I'm starting to trust my teammates more," he said. "If our guards make open shots, it's only going to free me up for shots later in the season."

LOFTON BACK TO FORM

What's wrong with Chris Lofton?

That was one of those questions that no one quite had an answer for earlier this season when the Tennessee gunner was off the mark.

Well, Lofton has finally found a rhythm and he's made 27-of-52 shots from long distance in the last five games - including a couple last night to key Tennessee's late run that put Florida away.

RANDOM NOTES: Virginia Tech coach Seth Greenberg said that Deron Washington, who usually plays with as much energy as anyone in the ACC, was passive last night - especially in the first half. ... Drake continues to win in the Missouri Valley. A road victory at Illinois State put Keno Davis' team at 21-1 overall and 12-0 in the MVC. ... If I were Roy Williams, I would hold out Ty Lawson from tonight's matchup against Duke. There's going to be so much emotion that it's probably not in Lawson's best interest.