Paced by junior forward Elo Edeferioka’s 17 points, Georgia Tech’s women defeated Alabama 76-66 on Sunday at McCamish Pavilion to advance to the semifinals of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament.
Tech next faces Washington State (16-19) at 7 p.m. Wednesday at McCamish. The Cougars knocked off Iowa 74-66 on Sunday in Iowa City, Iowa.
“I think it’s a really exciting time for our program and a really exciting time for this team because to know the journey we’ve been on all season long and see them come together at this point is pretty amazing,” coach MaChelle Joseph said.
Avenging a two-point loss to the Crimson Tide last December, the Yellow Jackets (21-14) blew open a tie game with a 27-10 second quarter on some 11-for-17 (65 percent) shooting. They led by as many as 24 points with eight minutes to play. Edeferioka, who also led Tech with 11 rebounds, was 7 for 10 from the floor. Zaire O’Neil added 15 points and seven rebounds.
“I was really pleased with the play of Elo Edeferioka,” Joseph said. “I thought early in the first half, she just really established herself and was relentless on the boards and did a great job finishing around the rim. I thought everyone stepped up and played their role. I’m just really pleased with the development and growth of this team.”
The Jackets were aided by a 26-point contribution from the bench. Reserves Antonia Peresson and Kaylan Pugh scored 12 points each, missing just four of their combined 12 shots.
Alabama was led by Shaquera Wade’s 15 points.
Tech, playing in its seventh WNIT, last made it to the semifinals in 1992, when the Jackets won the tournament.
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