RALEIGH – Evans Anthony of Shelby and William Anthony of Cherryville matched all five white balls but not the Powerball in the Nov. 8 Powerball drawing to win a $1 million prize.

After state and federal taxes were withheld, both men received a check for $346,002. They bought the lucky ticket at the TAS Drug on West Church Street in Cherryville.

Saturday’s Powerball players have the chance to win a $50 million jackpot if taken as an annuity or $31.2 million if taken as a lump sum.

Ticket sales have made it possible for the lottery to raise more than $3.5 billion for the state. North Carolina Education Lottery net proceeds will be used this year to help pay salaries of teachers and teacher assistants, for pre-kindergarten programs for at-risk four-year-olds, school construction and repair, and need-based college scholarships and financial aid.

For details on how more than $66 million in lottery funds have made a difference in Gaston County and how more than $35 million in lottery funds have made a difference in Cleveland County, click on the “Where the Money Goes” tab on the lottery’s website.