Lacey, NC State hang on for 4-0 start with 68-65 win against South Florida

North Carolina State's Beejay Anya (21) defends against South Florida's Jaleel Cousins (15) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Raleigh, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014. (AP Photo/The News & Observer, Ethan Hyman) MANDATORY CREDIT (The Associated Press)

North Carolina State's Beejay Anya (21) shoots while defended by South Florida's Chris Perry (1) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Raleigh, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014. (AP Photo/The News & Observer, Ethan Hyman) MANDATORY CREDIT (The Associated Press)

Trevor Lacey scored 21 points to help North Carolina State hold off South Florida 68-65 on Sunday.

Anthony "Cat" Barber added 10 points for the Wolfpack, who blew most of an 11-point lead in the final 3 minutes but did just enough to earn the program's first 4-0 start under coach Mark Gottfried.

N.C. State appeared to have the game in hand after Des Lee's two free throws made it 65-54 with 2:57 left. But the Bulls clawed back in it, aided by some missed free throws from the Wolfpack, to pull within 67-65 on Corey Allen Jr.'s layup with 3.8 seconds left.

Lee hit 1 of 2 free throws with 2.6 seconds to go to push the margin back to three. The Bulls (3-1) had one more chance but Allen's heave for the tie from a step or two inside halfcourt clanged off the rim as the horn sounded.

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