March 26, 2003
By BETSY BLANEY
Associated Press Writer
LUBBOCK, Texas – Andre Emmett scored 29 points to lead Texas Tech past Georgia Tech 80-72 in an NIT quarterfinal game Wednesday night, sending Bob Knight to the tournament’s semifinals for the sixth time in his 37 years as a head coach.
Knight, in his second year at Texas Tech, took his Army team to the NIT three times and his Indiana team twice. His 1979 Indiana team won the tournament, beating Purdue 53-52.
The public address system played Frank Sinatra singing New York, New York as the fans clapped and cheered, a sendoff to New York City where the tournament finishes up.
Knight also won three NCAA titles in his 29 years at Indiana.
It is the first time the Red Raiders have ever been one of the final four teams in any postseason tournament. They got to the NCAA’s Sweet 16 in 1996 and last played in the NIT in 1995.
Knight took to the microphone after the game to pay tribute to the band, cheerleaders and the seniors on the team.
He also honored Jack Dale, who has been calling Texas Tech basketball games on the radio for 50 years and is retiring after the season. Earlier in the season, Dale had told Knight he had never been to Madison Square Garden
“So that’s a hell of an anniversary present,” Knight said to the crowd and to Dale. “Let’s get ready to go to New York.”
Texas Tech (21-12) used an 18-3 in a four-minute stretch midway through the second half to break the game open. Up to the 13:04 mark in the second half, there were five ties and 12 lead changes.
The Red Raiders took a 65-52 lead, it’s largest of the game, on two free throws by Robert Tomaszek with eight minutes left. Georgia Tech never got closer than four and that came on 3-pointer by B.J. Elder with 1:03 remaining in the game.
Robert Tomaszek scored 19 points and Kasib Powell added 15 for Texas Tech.
Elder and Chris Bosh each scored 21 points for the Yellow Jackets.
Texas Tech got off to an early lead but the Yellow Jackets took a 15-14 lead on a dunk by Bosh at the 10:55 mark of the first half. The game stayed close for the remainder of the half with neither team leading by more than four points.
Tech will play the winner of the UAB-St. John’s on Tuesday night.
