Sidney Lowe has decided to step down as head coach of North Carolina State.

"I'm resigning," he said in a text message to ESPN.com's Andy Katz.

NC State went 15-16 overall and 5-11 in the ACC.

"This is my school, I love this school," Lowe said Thursday after the season-ending loss, according to the News & Observer. "It was my hope and dream to come back here and do something special again.

"It hurts me. I know what it's like to win here, and I know how the people will get behind you. It means a lot more to me," he said.

Eight days after losing out on the ACC regular season title to North Carolina, Duke captured their revenge with a 75-58 decision in the title game of the ACC Tournament.

Nolan Smith was named Tournament MVP.

Harrison Barnes led all tournament participants in points and total FIC, while John Henson led in rebounds and blocks and Kendall Marshall led in assists.

Smith, Barnes, Henson and Marshall were joined on the All-Tournament Team by Kyle Singler (Duke), Tyler Zeller (North Carolina) and Demontez Sittt (Clemson).

• Click here to view RealGM’s comprehensive list of 2011 Conference Tournaments.