NIT semifinals: Georgia Tech advances to final while TCU battles Central Florida for other spot.
new york» Josh Okogie scored a game-high 22 points to lead Georgia Tech to a 76-61 win over Cal State-Bakersfield in a NIT semifinal Tuesday night.
Ben Lammers finished with 15 points and 11 rebounds for Georgia Tech, which will take on Texas Christian in the championship game Thursday night.
Quinton Stephens added 13 points, and Tadric Jackson had 12.
The Yellow Jackets led virtually the entire game, due to a strong defensive effort and excellent ball management. Georgia Tech forced 15 turnovers while only committing seven. Eighteen of the Yellow Jackets’ 76 points came off Cal State-Bakersfield turnovers.
Sharp shooting aided the Yellow Jackets. Georgia Tech connected on 43.3 percent of its shots (26 for 60) while limiting the Roadrunners to 35 percent shooting (21 for 60).
At halftime, the Yellow Jackets (21-15) had a 36-26 lead highlighted by Jackson’s running 3-pointer at the buzzer.
TCU tops Central Florida.
Kenrich Williams scored 14 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to help TCU defeat UCF 6853.
Williams also grabbed 14 rebounds and had seven assists.
Vladimir Brodziansky led the Horned Frogs with 18 points.
Trailing by two at halftime, the Horned Frogs opened the second half with a 16-5 run to take a 45-36 lead. JD Miller sparked the run with three layups and a free throw.
TCU was helped by Central Florida, which missed five of its first seven shots from the field in the second half.