Open mobile menu

Tech Tops App State in Home Opener, 71-53

THE FLATS – Behind three players in double-figures, the Georgia Tech women’s basketball team secured its first win of the 2018-19 season Sunday afternoon, defeating Appalachian State, 71-53. Elizabeth Balogun led the Jackets with a game-high 21 points.

“I thought we were a little fatigued today coming off a double-overtime loss [at Houston Friday night],” commented head coach MaChelle Joseph. “But I thought we did a great job persevering and making big plays down the stretch. We went with a four guard lineup and were able to get some momentum trapping their ball screens, turning them over and getting some easy baskets. I thought Elizabeth Balogun and Francesca Pan carried us offensively. Kierra Fletcher, in the second half was big, she came in and dug out a lot of rebounds and really started our transition game.”

How It Happened
For nearly the entire game, Georgia Tech held an advantage over App State, surrendering the lead for a mere 1:26 of the game. ASU hit the first bucket of the game, but the Jackets answered opening an 11-3 lead off Balogun’s first of three triples on the afternoon less than six minutes into the game. Balogun and Francesa Pan would combine for back-to-back field goals to close the opening frame, leaving Tech with a 21-12 advantage entering the second quarter.

The Mountaineers gained momentum in the second frame, coming within two points, 21-19, after a 7-0 spurt to open the period. However, the run was snapped on two free throws from Lorela Cubaj followed by six unanswered points from D’asia Gregg for a 29-19 Tech lead. Coming out of the media break, Pan connected on a three-pointer for a 32-21 tally before App State used a 12-0 run to reverse its deficit into a 33-32 lead. Balogun closed the half hitting her second three-pointer to send Tech into the locker room with a 35-33 halftime lead.

App State would tie the game in the third quarter on a Lainey Gosnell bucket, but Balogun would return the final lead to the Jackets on the next possession. Tech led by as many as 20 points in the fourth quarter following a three-pointer from Lotta-Maj Lahtinen for a 71-51 Tech advantage. ASU closed the game with its final field goal for the 71-53 score.

Tech Tidbits
* Balogun has opened her freshman campaign on a high note finishing with a game-high 21 points
* Pan posted 17 points followed by Kierra Fletcher with 10 points
* Fletcher led the Jackets in the rebounding battle, pulling down eight rebounds
* Tech dished out 17 assists on the afternoon led by four apiece from Cubaj and Fletcher
* For the game, Tech shot 41.2 percent (28-68) from the field and 80.0 percent (8-10) from the charity stripe
* App State was held to a 35.8 percent (19-53) shooting clip and was paced offensively by Pre Stanley and Tierra Wilson each with 13 points
* ASU won the battle on the glass, 38-33, paced by 15 rebounds from Bayley Plummer

Next Up
Georgia Tech continues this three-game homestand on Wednesday, Nov. 14, welcoming Western Carolina. Tip is slated for 7 p.m. on ACC Network Extra.

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.

RELATED HEADLINES

Women's Basketball Future Jacket Carnegie Named Player of the Year

Signee Danielle Carnegie named Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year

Future Jacket Carnegie Named Player of the Year
Women's Basketball Morgan Named ACC All-Tournament Team

Tonie Morgan averaged 21.5 points per game to land second team honors

Morgan Named ACC All-Tournament Team
Women's Basketball Jackets Fall to Duke in ACC Tournament, 70-58

Tonie Morgan drops 19 in ACC Tournament second round

Jackets Fall to Duke in ACC Tournament, 70-58
Partner of Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Legends Partner of Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Partner of Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Partner of Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets