Nov. 19, 2005
ATLANTA – After posting a 13-point win in their season opener at UAB Friday night, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets return to Atlanta for a game against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, which is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. Sunday at Alexander Memorial Coliseum. The game will be broadcast on WREK-Radio, 91.1 FM in Atlanta, and online at www.wrek.org, while livestsats will be available at www.ramblinwreck.com.
“One of the things that we talked about earlier this season was the fact that we played four games in nine days to start the season,” said Joseph, “and we are excited because it simulates the postseason, having to turn around and face the next opponent on a quick turn-around. The other thing that it does is it gets us ready for Atlantic Coast Conference play.”
The Jackets will be facing Arkansas-Pine Bluff for the first time in history, and under head coach MaChelle Joseph, Georgia Tech is 7-2 in contests when it is facing an opponent for the first time. The Yellow Jackets will have the opportunity to add to that record this season, as they have nine games on the schedule against teams that they have never seen before.
The Yellow Jackets were led Friday night by a couple of sophomores in Chioma Nnamaka and Janie Mitchell, and junior Stephanie Higgs. Nnamaka scored a game-high 22 points, her highest scoring output in 16 games, dating back to last season, while Mitchell fell one rebound shy of recording a double-double, as she scored 11 against the Blazers while pulling down nine rebounds. Higgs was the only other Yellow Jacket in double figures, as she scored 12 points, while adding seven rebounds and four assists in the game.
“Anytime that you can go on the road without your starting point guard and get a win, you have to get pleased,” said Joseph. “I was really pleased with our defense in the second half, holding UAB to just three field goals in the first 15 minutes. That is such a great accomplishment, especially playing through adversity. We responded and came back with a 20-3 run to begin the second half, and that’s just a contribution to our seniors and their leadership.”
Following the game against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, the Jackets will face the College of Charleston Wednesday before the Thanksgiving Holiday in a game that is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. at Alexander Memorial Coliseum.
