Clayvon Ruff’s love of playing crossword puzzles led him to a $150,000 lottery win.

“It’s a challenge to find a word,” Ruff said. “I love it. Crossword tickets are the only ones I get.”

Ruff is from Gastonia, and bought the $5 Crossword Connect scratch-off ticket from the New Hope Mart on South New Hope Road.

When he realized he had a winning ticket he couldn’t believe it.

“I was shocked,” Ruff said. “When I started scratching, I thought, ‘Oh Lord, that’s a $1,000. If I get a ‘G’ it’s going to be more,’” Ruff said.

He got a ‘G’ and ended up winning $150,000.

Ruff claimed his prize Tuesday at lottery headquarters in Raleigh. After required state and federal tax withholdings, he took home $103,292. He plans to give some of the money to his daughter.

“I plan to spoil her,” Ruff said.

Crossword Connect launched in December with three top prizes of $150,000. One top prize remains.

Ticket sales from games like Crossword Connect made it possible for the lottery to raise more than $634 million for the state last year. For details on how lottery funds have made a difference in Gaston County, click on the “For Education” section of the lottery’s website.