With the second-round NIT win over South Carolina Monday night, the Yellow Jackets are now one win away from advancing to the tournament semifinals at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Tech will play San Diego State on Wednesday night in an NIT quarterfinal in San Diego. The Aztecs defeated the Huskies 93-78 in a second-round game played late Monday night following Tech’s 83-66 win over South Carolina.
“I’ve never played in Madison Square Garden, so it’s a goal, just trying to get there,” guard Adam Smith said. “That’s a motivation to go out and win the next game. It’d be amazing, but to win that championship would be even more amazing, to bring home that NIT title.”
The next leg of the journey is a long one. After its late night Monday, Tech was to fly direct on a charter from Columbia to San Diego on Tuesday, a flight of about 2,100 miles.
“The biggest thing is our rest and just getting ready to play,” coach Brian Gregory said.
Assistant coaches had already begun preparing for both teams, so the next steps will be teaching the game plan and a light practice either Tuesday or Wednesday. Tech doesn’t have to worry about schoolwork, as players are on spring break.
San Diego State was among the last teams to slide off the NCAA tournament bubble. Under coach Steve Fisher, the Aztecs are one of the most unyielding defensive teams in the country. Going into Monday’s game, their defense was ranked second most efficient nationally in the Pomeroy ratings.
The semifinals and finals will be played March 29 and 31 in New York.
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