Senior Josh Carlton played like a savvy veteran when UConn needed him the most on Thursday and then acted like one afterward.

When asked about his diminished role in the first two games, Carlton bypassed the question.

"Coach pushed us in practice," Carlton said. "So I just felt coming into the game to bring the same intensity and do whatever my team needs me to do."

A humble response from a guy that contributed nine points and 11 rebounds in a three-point win over Southern Cal after playing just three minutes prior to that performance this season.

Sophomore teammate James Bouknight didn't hold back, speaking up in support of his teammate.

"He wasn't happy that he wasn't playing," Bouknight said. "He got his chance and turned up. He was a dog out there. He played a great game. He was a big time factor."

Without the inspired play of Carlton and senior frontcourt partner Isaiah Whaley, the Huskies would not have scored the significant non-conference win.

The Huskies will only accomplish their lofty goals this season if their veterans — and that also includes experienced transfers R.J. Cole and Tyrese Martin, junior Brendan Adams and senior Tyler Polley — deliver on a consistent basis.

They'll lean on them again in Saturday's non-conference game against North Carolina State Mohegan Sun Arena (noon, ESPNU). Both teams come in with 3-0 records.

Carlton has started more career games (81) than anyone else on the roster. While he came into the season in great shape, he lost his starting job and sat the bench for the entire game against Hartford on Nov. 27.

During practice this week, Carlton earned a spot in the rotation against USC to help battle a talented frontcourt. He took advantage of his expanded role off the bench.

"Josh played with the type of desperation that an older player plays with," coach Dan Hurley said. "As a senior, he understands how important every possession is and every game is. We don't have a guy in the program that has played in the NCAA tournament.

"... He's got a lot of competition around him and instead of caving in and turtling up, he's fighting back. I'm just so proud of him and it speaks a lot about his character. We don't win that game without Josh."

The Huskies also don't win without Whaley, arguably UConn's most impactful player.

Whaley brings leadership, toughness and an inside presence on both ends of the court. His teammates feed off of his energy. He finished with 10 points, five rebounds and five blocks.

"Isaiah is such an underrated player," Hurley said. "I'm not sure that I've coached many guys with as much will and competitiveness. The guy just has an incredibly strong will. What he does defensively and the energy that he plays with, it was the difference for our team. He's been a difference really going back to last year."

NC State presents a formidable roadblock for UConn, which has won eight straight dating back to last season.

The Wolfpack steamrolled their first three opponents, winning all three by 31 points or more. Their high powered attack averages 90.3 points per game and their disruptive defense forces 23.3 turnovers per game. They're experienced and deep.

Their impressive numbers are a bit deceptive due to the fact they played Charleston Southern, North Florida and UMass Lowell.

Still, the Huskies, who struggled offensively versus USC and shot just 34.5 percent, will have their hands full.

It will take all their grit, toughness and determination that they displayed on Thursday to pull off another quality non-conference win.

g.keefe@theday.com

UCONN vs. NORTH CAROLINA STATE

Location: Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville

Tip: noon (ESPNU)

Records: UConn 3-0, NC State 3-0

Last game: UConn beat USC, 61-58, Thursday; NC State routed UMass Lowell, 90-59, Thursday

Probable starters: UConn, 6-1 r-jr. guard R.J. Cole (11 pts, 3.7 assists), 6-5 so. guard James Bouknight (18.7 pts, 6.3 rebs), 6-6 jr. guard Tyrese Martin (8.5 pts, 8.5 rebs, 6-9 sr. forward Tyler Polley (4.7 pts, 3 rebs), 6-9 sr. forward Isaiah Whaley (10.7 pts, 7.3 rebs, 3.6 blks)

NC State, 6-0 sr. guard Braxton Beverly (8 pts, 4 assists), 6-1 r-jr. guard Thomas Allen (6.7 pts), 6-5 r-sr. guard Devon Daniels (18 pts, 5.7 rebs), 6-7 jr. forward Jericole Hellems (14 pts, 3.3 rebs), 6-11 r-so. forward Manny Bates (7 pts, 5.7 rebs)

Noteworthy: Final scheduled game in Bubbleville for UConn. ... NC State member of Atlantic Coast Conference. ... Series: UConn trails, 3-2. First meeting since 2012 and last win came in 2002. ... Wolfpack's wins all by 31 points or more. More impressive stat: Force 23.3 turnovers per game. ... Top reserve: 6-3 fr. guard Cam Hayes (11.3 pts, 5.3 assists). Bench contributed 104 points in three games. ... Wolfpack shot over 50 percent from field in every game and 53.4 percent overall. Sink 44.9 percent from 3-point range. ... UConn won eight straight dating back to last season, longest streak since capturing nine in a row, six at end of 2013-14 national championship season and three to start the 2014-15 campaign. ... Whaley only Husky in last 10 seasons with at least 30 points, 20 rebounds and 10 blocks in opening three games. ... Huskies out-rebounding foes by an average of 12 per game. Wolfpack lost the battle of the boards, 33.7-33.3. ... With a victory, UConn will be off to its best start in Hurley's three seasons at Storrs. ... Bouknight averaging 14 points before intermission and 4.7 after halftime. ... Injury news: Akok Akok (Achilles) still out. ... Up next: UConn hosts St. John's in Big East opener on Friday, Dec. 11. Huskies looking into scheduling a game prior to that early next week.

— Gavin Keefe