Written By Trevon Purdie
In the final game of the night, the Marquette Golden Eagles defeated the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 72-70 at HP Field House in the Orlando Classic Tournament.
The game was played pretty evenly with both teams trying to pull ahead to a comfortable lead. Marquette seemed to do just that with a 12-6 lead at the 14 minute mark, but key jumpers by Freshman guard Tadric Jackson helped the Yellow Jackets close the gap.
Senior Demarco Cox played a big role for Georgia Tech in the half. He led the team in points (7), rebounds (5), and helped give the Yellow Jackets the lead to end the half at 31-29.
Golden Eagle Senior guard Matt Carlino was hot from three point range early in the game, shooting 50 percent for 15 points in the first half.
Carlino would help Marquette to a 5 point lead in the second half, continuing his dominance from behind the arc. He would end the game with the tournament record in points with 38. “I hit a couple and I started feeling it a lil bit…” said Carlino about his hot streak. “Guys were setting great screens, coach was calling good plays, and guys were delivering the ball.”
The game came down to the wire as a clutch three pointer by Tadric Jackson and a layup by Marcus Georges-Hunt brought Marquette’s lead down to 1 with seconds left on the clock. Key free throws by Carlino and JaJuan Johnson gave Marquette the win.
“You’re talking about one of the premier programs in the United States, a hall of fame coach, and great kids who compete like crazy.” Said Head Coach Steve Wojciechowski on Friday’s matchup. “We have to try to get as much rest and fluids in us and be ready to battle tomorrow.”
Marquette will face #20 Michigan State in Friday’s portion of the tournament.