NC State stages comeback, defeats Pittsburgh 77-73

North Carolina State forward Jericole Hellems (4) reacts following a basket against Duke late in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Raleigh, N.C., Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)

by: KEN TYSIAC Associated Press

Posted: Feb 29, 2020 / 03:05 PM EST

Updated: Feb 29, 2020 / 03:05 PM EST

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) – Reserve forward Jericole Hellems scored 16 points and sparked a second-half comeback to give N.C. State’s NCAA Tournament hopes a boost in a 77-73 win over Pittsburgh.

With N.C. State trailing 58-51, Hellems scored nine points in three minutes, including a 3-pointer from the baseline with 6:53 remaining that gave the Wolfpack its first lead of the game.

Pitt briefly regained the lead with two Eric Hamilton free throws, but the Wolfpack scored the next eight points to grab a seven-point lead and held on to win.