Wolfpack holds on to stun No. 3 UNC

Courtney Fells scored 21 points to lead North Carolina State to an 83-79 upset of No. 3 North Carolina on Saturday, giving Sidney Lowe his first big win as the Wolfpack's coach.

Ben McCauley had 17 points and Gavin Grant added 16 for N.C. State (13-8, 3-5 Atlantic Coast Conference), which led by 12 and held off the Tar Heels' frantic comeback bid.

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 under 7 minutes left.

North Carolina rallied to pull within three when Brandan Wright's leaner made it 80-77 with 1:08 remaining. 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 and give coach Roy Williams his first loss to N.C. State.

Tyler Hansbrough led the Tar Heels (20-3, 6-2) with 24 points.