Raleigh, N.C. – Sidney Lowe always knew how to beat North Carolina as a player. The first-year coach proved he also can top the Tar Heels from the sideline.
The former North Carolina State point guard earned his first big victory as its coach when the Wolfpack upset No. 3 North Carolina 83-79 on Saturday in just the kind of rivalry game he was hired to win.
“I’ve never shied away from the rivalry of the three schools down here, and it’s a big win,” Lowe said.
Courtney Fells scored 21 points for N.C. State (13-8, 3-5 ACC) – which led by 12, held off the Tar Heels’ frantic comeback bid and beat two of the ACC’s best teams in a four-day span. The Wolfpack upset No. 16 Virginia Tech 70-59 on Wednesday.
“The game they played against Virginia Tech, and to turn around and play like this against us, Sid and his staff and all the Wolfpack faithful should feel very good about that,” North Carolina coach Roy Williams said.
This time, N.C. State controlled most of the second half, three times pushing its lead into double figures. The last – and biggest – came when Fells’ 3-pointer from the right wing made it 72-60 with just less than seven minutes left.
North Carolina (20-3, 6-2) clawed back, pulling within three in the final moments when Brandan Wright’s leaner made it 80-77 with 1:08 left.
But Engin Atsur hit two free throws for the Wolfpack, who forced the Tar Heels into misses on three straight possessions in the final minute.
