DETROIT, MICH. – Georgia Tech took Michigan to triple overtime in the WNIT Championship game, but fell 89-79 despite a terrific fight. The advancement to the finale marked the first appearance for Tech in the WNIT championship since the inception of the tournament in 1998. The Jackets close the season with a 22-15 overall record.
Zaire O’Neil and Francesca Pan were both named to the WNIT All-Tournament team.
How It Happened
Georgia Tech held the largest lead of either team in the first half, gaining a six point advantage after opening the second quarter with a 7-0 spurt to go ahead 21-15. But Michigan would battle back, knot the score and regain the lead closing the half with a 6-2 run for a 28-27 halftime advantage. The second half would be a tale of quarters as Michigan led the majority of the third quarter, but Tech spanned the frames with a 12-4 run to regain control at 47-44 with 8:48 to go. The Jackets would extend their lead to as many as eight points, but Michigan held strong, slowly chipping at its deficit. Tech led by six with 1:23 to play off a three-point play from Elo Edeferioka, but Michigan’s Katelynn Flaherty hit consecutive three-pointers, the second coming with 10 seconds on the clock, to tie the score at 67-67. Tech missed a pair of free throws to end regulation and force overtime.
Michigan went up by three in overtime before Cha’Ron Sweeney drained a three-pointer in front of Tech’s bench to tie the game at 70-70 with 1:05 to play. The Wolverines used their final timeout with 10.9 on the clock to setup the final play, but could not get a shot off and the teams went to double-overtime. Michigan went up 76-72 in double-overtime, but a feisty Tech team fought back, converting a jumper from Edeferioka followed by a forced turnover by Pan and conversion to tie the score at 76-76. Michigan outscored Tech in triple overtime 13-3 to take the win.
Tech Tidbits
* Georgia Tech closed the season with a 22-15 overall record
* Tech shot 39.2 percent (31-79) from the floor – Michigan shot 36.7 percent (29-79)
* Zaire O’Neil led Tech with 21 points. Elo Edeferioka posted her third straight double-double with 17 rebounds and 11 points
* Francesca Pan finished with 15 points, while Cha’Ron Sweeney added 10 points
* Tech dominated on the glass, outrebounding Michigan 56-38
For the latest information on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, follow us on Twitter (@GTWBB), Instagram (GTWBB), Facebook (Georgia Tech Women’s Basketball) or visit us at www.ramblinwreck.com.
