Once again, it seemed like the top ranked Syracuse Orange were in line for their first loss of the season. Once again, not so.

Rakeem Christmas had a career high in scoring, but it was his steal in the closing seconds that led to a C.J. Fair layup/goal tending call to give the Orange win number 25, and keep their perfect season alive.

The final: 'Cuse 56, NC State 55.

Christmas' 14 led all Syracuse scorers as the Orange moved to 25-0 and 12-0 in ACC play.

Jerami Grant scored a dozen and grabbed 14 rebounds, while C.J. Fair added 11.

T.J. Warren led the Wolfpack (16-9, 6-6 ACC) with 23 points.

The Orange will host Boston College at the Carrier Dome on Wednesday night at 7:00.

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