NICEVILLE, FLA. — Guard Jalen Quinn exploded for a career-high 31 points, including 17 in the second half, leading Drake to an 84-74 victory past Georgia Tech in the third place game of the Emerald Coast Classic Saturday at Raider Arena on the Northwest Florida State campus.
Sophomore forward Okku Federiko added a career-high 20 points for the Bulldogs who improved 5-3 entering a Tuesday home game against Western Illinois.
Guard Akai Fleming, who was named to the Emerald Coast Classic all-tournament team along with Quinn, led Georgia Tech with 15 points.
Federiko scored 10 of Drake’s first 12 points in the opening minutes. Behind Federiko’s hot shooting the Bulldogs made five of their first seven shots to race to a 15-9 lead.
“I was just really proud of how our guys came out with a great amount of energy, got off to a really good start which was huge for us,” said Drake coach Eric Henderson.
A layup by Baye Ndongo gave Georgia Tech a 40-37 lead with 2:13 left in the first half.
Drake was able to build on its 43-40 halftime lead thanks to the shooting of guard Jaehshon Thomas who scored all 12 of his points in the second half.
The Yellow Jackets shot 55.6 percent in the first half but trailed 43-40.
Quinn, who also matched a career high with seven assists, made four straight free throws in the final minute
“Georgia Tech was trying to pressure our five man and that kept the paint open and just his (Quinn) aggressiveness getting downhill, not settling, I thought was terrific.
“And he’s a great finisher around the rim, so we want him if that lane is going to be open, to make sure he’s attacking.”
Drake shot 51.6 percent from the floor and controlled the boards, outrebounding Georgia Tech, 36-32. Federiko led Drake with eight rebounds.
Ndongo finished with 14 points and seven rebounds for the Yellow Jackets. Kam Craft and Lamar Washington scored 11 points apiece.
The Yellow Jackets (5-3) return home to host Mississippi State Wednesday, while Drake entertains Western Illinois Tuesday.
