BOSTON — The Pittsburgh Panthers should send a message to the rest of the Atlantic Coast Conference: Don’t let us get to overtime.

Josh Newkirk had a pair of clutch baskets in the final 2 ½ minutes of OT and finished with 15 points, lifting Pittsburgh to a 61-60 comeback win over Boston College on Tuesday night.

The Panthers are 6-0 in overtime games since becoming members of the ACC last season, winning five against member schools. They’ve won their last seven since a 74-67 setback against Marquette at home on Jan. 12, 2013.

“We were 4-0 last year. We win close games,” Pittsburgh coach Jamie Dixon said. “I told them this is where we wanted it. We found a way.”’

Michael Young added 15 points and Sheldon Jeter 11 with eight rebounds for the Panthers (11-4, 1-1 ACC).

Pitt overcame deficits in regulation and OT.

“It was great,” Newkirk said. “We just told ourselves: `Keep pushing, keep fighting. This game ain’t over. Keep pushing.’ That’s what we did.”

Olivier Hanlan led Boston College (7-6, 0-2) with 18 points, eight rebounds and six assists.

“It’s disappointing because you just don’t get those games back,” BC coach Jim Christian said. “You have to take advantage of your opportunities.”

Neither team shot very well in a contest dominated by tough, scrappy defense. Pittsburgh was 38.3 percent from the field and Boston College 40.4.

Patrick Heckmann’s 3-pointer from the right wing 2:15 into overtime gave Boston College a 60-55 lead.

But, like regulation, the Eagles had trouble putting the Panthers away.

The Panthers scored the next six points, taking a lead on Newkirk’s driving basket with 5.9 seconds left.