49ers 86, Georgia Tech 83, 2 OTs
Published 12:00 am Monday, January 3, 2011
ATLANTA (AP) ó With its fourth consecutive come-from-behind victory, Charlotte is beginning to figure out how to win.
Derrio Green scored 21 points, including a key 3-point basket during a 9-0 run in the second overtime, to lead the 49ers to an 86-83 win over Georgia Tech on Sunday night.
ěRight now, weíre playing well as a team. I think weíre headed in the right direction,î said Green.
In the four late wins, the 49ers have won by a total of nine points. They beat Mercer 64-63 on Thursday, won 57-53 over Wright State on Dec. 22 and beat then-No. 7 Tennessee 49-48 on Dec. 17.
ěTo win at this stage is a big momentum boost,î Green added.
Charlotte took an 83-74 lead in the second overtime, scoring the first nine points, including Greenís 3-pointer and a three-point play by Phil Jones. Tech, however, got within 84-83 with 21 seconds left on a 3-pointer by Brian Oliver. Jones then made two free throws for the 86-83 lead with 13 seconds left. Glen Rice Jr. had a chance to tie it but his 3-point try hit the rim and bounced away.
ěHats off to Tech because they have a hell of a team, making unbelievable shots and kept coming back at us,î said Charlotte coach Alan Major.
ěIn a nutshell, this game was just about fighting. They jumped on us early and we scrapped back at halftime. Guys just continued to make plays,î he said.
Green also had a pair of free throws in overtime and four straight foul shots late in regulation to tie it at 66 for Charlotte (8-6). Green hit 8 for 8 free throws overall. ěI just had confidence at the free-throw line,î he said.
Javarris Barnett and Jones added 15 points each for Charlotte and Chris Braswell added 14 for the 49ers.
Iman Shumpert led the Yellow Jackets (7-6) with a season-high 28 points and Rice added 18 points.