93.7 The Fan (PITTSBURGH) - Behind Jaland Lowe's 20 points, Pitt beats NC State for their third straight win.
Lowe went 7 for 12 from the floor and Blake Hinson finished 5 for 13 with 16 points. The Wolfpack locked in on Hinson more in the second half.
"I thought he missed some open shots," said Jeff Capel. "Out of timeouts, he got three 3's that were really good shots that he just missed. Their attention on him was a little more locked in. He got some good looks, he just missed them, but I think their attention was a little bit heightened."
Going to the final media timeout, the game was tied 60-60. Ishmael Leggett broke the tie with a layup, giving Pitt a 62-60 lead. After Blake Hinson made one out of two free throws, NC State got to the free throw line and made both shots. The Panthers, with a one point lead, had to get a stop and did just that, as DJ Burns missed a layup and the Panthers got the rebound and called timeout, with 43 seconds to play in the game.
"When it was the under four timeout, we talked about getting three straight stops," said Jeff Capel. "Blake stepped up and made free throws, Federiko did an unbelievable job on Burns and we got a stop."
Federiko Federiko grabbed an offensive rebound and scored to give the Panthers a 65-62 lead with just 30 seconds to play.
NC State got a two pointer with 11 seconds left and then had to foul. Lowe sunk both free throws to give Pitt a three point lead with 5 seconds left to put the game away, as they fouled NC State instead of giving them a chance at a last second three pointer.
"He's someone that I have wanted on the line," said Capel. "We have a lot of confidence in him. He's stepped up this year showing in big moments he's not afraid of the moment. To step up there calmly, I've seen him do it since he was younger. He lives for those moments."
The Panthers have won five of their last six. They travel to Virginia February 13 for a 7 p.m. tipoff on 93.7 The Fan.