Madrid, Spain – Facing its first real adversity of the week on the basketball court, Georgia Tech fell behind early and trailed by 17 points at the half before storming back for an 87-83 victory over the Spain All-Stars Thursday afternoon in Madrid, completing a 4-0 tour for the Yellow Jackets in Spain.
Sluggish following a full day off Wednesday, the Yellow Jackets fell in arrears 20-14 at the end of the first period and 44-27 by halftime, while the Spaniards looked sharp and fresh, moving the ball expertly and getting open shots at the rim.
Tech found its energy in the third quarter, however, behind its guard tandem of Jose Alvarado and Michael Devoe, outscoring the Spanish team 31-18 and shaving away most of its deficit. The Jackets didn’t take their first lead until 7:53 remained in the game, pulling ahead 67-64 on an Evan Cole layup off a feed from Jordan Usher and an Asanti Price lay-in from Devoe.
Down 67-64, the Spaniards answered with eight straight points and led 72-67 with 5:20 left. Tech responded to that with eight straight points of its own, six of them by Alvarado, to regain the advantage for good, 77-73 with 2:49 to go.
Jose Alvarado, who scored 17 of his 20 points in the fourth period, talks about the game and the trip to Spain.
Alvarado, who scored 17 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter, helped secure the game for the Yellow Jackets with six free throws over the final 1:49. The junior hit two three-point field goals and went 9-for-9 from the foul line in the period.
Devoe, a sophomore, was the spark plug in the third period, scoring eight points on baskets from close range, then added two more (including a three) in the fourth to finish with a team-high 21 points.
Tech went 10-of-17 from the floor after intermission, including 8-of-17 from three-point range, in scoring 60 points, its highest-scoring half of the week, and forced 12 opponent turnovers. The Jackets went 10-of-11 from the free throw line in the final period.
Khalid Moore was the only other Jacket in double figures, scoring 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting, while freshman Asanti Price added nine, including a pair of threes.
Tech made 41 three-point shots in the four games, connecting at a 34.5-percent rate.
Head coach Josh Pastner looks on as Jose Alvarado drains one of his six free throws in the final 1:49 Thursday.
ACC NETWORK – COMING AUG. 22
The ACC Network is a linear and digital platform dedicated to 24/7 coverage of ACC sports. It will exclusively televise approximately 450 live events each year, including approximately 40 football games (beginning with Georgia Tech’s 2019 season opener at Clemson on Aug. 29), as well as 150 men’s and women’s basketball contests.
Don’t get shut out! For more information and to learn if your cable/satellite/digital provider is committed to carrying the ACC Network, visit GetACCN.com. Georgia Tech fans whose cable/satellite/digital providers aren’t already committed to carrying the ACC Network are urged to contact their providers and ask for the ACC Network to be a part of their subscription.
ABOUT GEORGIA TECH MEN’S BASKETBALL
Georgia Tech’s men’s basketball team is in its fourth year under head coach Josh Pastner. Tech has been a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference since 1979, won three ACC Championships (1985, 1990, 1993), played in the NCAA Tournament 16 times and played in two Final Fours (1990, 2004). Connect with Georgia Tech Men’s Basketball on social media by liking their Facebook Page, or following on Twitter (@GTMBB) and Instagram. For more information on Tech basketball, visit Ramblinwreck.com.
Season tickets for men’s basketball can be purchased here.
