Yellow Jackets Complete Comeback To Earn Road Victory Over NC State

Tech has now won 5 of their last 6 vs. NC State.

Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

It wasn't the best start out of the gates for Georgia Tech, but nevertheless they persisted. The Yellow Jackets overcame a 14 point deficit in the first half, en route to capturing a thrilling 82-81 overtime win over conference foe North Carolina State in Raleigh, NC. Senior forward James Banks III sunk a pair of free throws with 2.1 seconds left to put Tech over the edge for good. He also had a double-double on the night with 20 points and 14 rebounds.

It was an overall team win for the Yellow Jackets, as all five starters scored in double digits. Banks and sophomore guard Michael Devoe both scored 20 or more points, with Devoe leading all Georgia Tech players with 22 points. Devoe and junior guard Jose Alvarado also combined to be effective ball distributors, particularly in the second half as the duo was responsible for 10 of Georgia Tech's 18 assists.

Heading into the season opening matchup, NC State was already playing with the odds starting to tilt against them. Senior guard Markell Johnson was a late scratch due to an ankle injury sustained in practice, and redshirt-junior forward D.J. Funderburk was already serving an indefinite suspension.

Though that didn't stop the Wolfpack from starting out hot. NC State scored the first 8 points of the game, and quickly built a 28-14 lead nearly halfway through the first half. Grad transfer Pat Andree was instrumental in establishing their early dominance, going 3-3 from beyond the arc and sinking 3 free throws in the first 8 minutes of the game. 5 Georgia Tech turnovers during that span certainly didn't help either, as the Yellow Jackets struggled at times with entry passes and perimeter shooting in the first half.

Tech regained focus to cut the deficit at the half to just 7 points, eventually getting to within 3 throughout the majority of the second half. Junior forward Moses Wright was primarily responsible for keeping Tech within striking distance. Prior to him fouling out with the game tied at 55 and 10:07 left in regulation, he was responsible for 4 of Georgia Tech's 8 second half field goals.

From that point on, NC State's CJ Bryce and Jericole Hellems did everything in their power to get the Ramblin' Wreck off their heels. The duo went on to score 21 of the final 26 points for NC State, and were leading scorers of the game for the Wolfpack. 

But once it got to overtime, Georgia Tech took over. Freshman guard Asanti Price got the free basketball started by seizing Tech's first lead of the game with his first three point field goal of his collegiate career. NC State's Braxton Beverly and CJ Bryce got the Wolfpack ahead for only but a moment, but a Michael Devoe jumper and James Banks III's clutch free throws were enough to seal the road victory in the final moments.

Georgia Tech will be back in action next Monday, November 11th for the 2019 home opener vs. Elon. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30pm.

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