Jamar Tillman of High Point used his age to choose which scratch-off to buy on Sunday, a strategy that produced a $200,000 top prize.

“I’m 44 years old and when I saw the scratch-off on No. 44,” said Tillman, referring to the placement of the game on a lottery ticket dispenser, “I decided to buy that one.”

Tillman bought his $5 Triple Red 777’s ticket from Green Street Grocery on East Green Drive in High Point. He started scratching it later while sitting in a recliner at his cousin’s house.

“I about passed out,” Tillman laughed when recalling his winning moment. “It felt great though.”

He arrived at lottery headquarters Tuesday to claim his prize and, after required federal and state tax withholdings, took home $143,001.

“This came right on time for me,” Tillman said.

He said he is considering using his winnings to buy a house.

The Triple Red 777’s game debuted in July with five $200,000 top prizes. One $200,000 prize remains to be claimed.

For details on how $31.6 million raised by the lottery made a difference for education programs in Guilford County last year, visit www.nclottery.com and click on the “Impact” section.