The TCU Horned Frogs and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets both won in convincing fashion in the NIT semifinals. Now, they will square off against each other for the NIT championship. The game will take place at 8 p.m. on Thursday at Madison Square Garden in New York.
TCU vs. Georgia Tech live stream: How to watch 2017 NIT championship game online
Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Josh Okogie’s 22 points and Ben Lammers chipped in with 15 to power the Yellow Jackets past CSU Bakersfield, 76-61, in the semifinals.
Georgia Tech (21-15) was in control for the entire game. In fact, Tadric Jackson, who scored 12 points, knocked down a running three-pointer at the buzzer to increase the Yellow Jackets’ lead to 36-26.
Indeed, the Yellow Jackets played smothering defense as well, turning 15 turnovers into 18 points. Unlike CSU, Georgia Tech only surrendered seven turnovers. The Yellow Jackets’ strong defensive performance and ball management is what led them to victory and to the finals. But they will have to play with that same intensity against the Horned Frogs.
TCU (23-15) is coming off a huge win in the semifinals as well, defeating UCF, 68-53. Junior guard Kenrich Williams racked up 14 points, 14 boards, and seven assists. Forward Vladimir Brodziansky scored an extra 18 points and grabbed nine boards.
The Horned Frogs trailed by two points at the half and needed a spark. Well, JD Miller came out and scored three layups and a free throw that kickstarted a 16-5 run to give TCU a 45-36 lead in the second half.
As for UCF, it shot 33 percent from the field and missed 19 of its 25 attempts from beyond the arch. TCU played good defense and played as a team, which is the reason why it advanced to the NIT championship.
The Yellow Jackets and the Horned Frogs can score the ball with ease and play strong defense. This should be an exciting game that keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
How to watch Thursday’s NIT final
No. 4 TCU vs. No. 6 Georgia Tech
Time: 8 p.m. Thursday
TV: ESPN
Live Streaming: WatchESPN
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