Georgia Tech Is Simply Too Good for Texas Tech

Georgia Tech just might be the best-kept secret in college basketball.

The Yellow Jackets dominated Texas Tech on Friday night at Madison Square Garden and beat the Red Raiders, 85-65, to win the Preseason National Invitation Tournament.

Georgia Tech (5-0) is off to its best start since 1994-95.

Coach Paul Hewitt touted B.J. Elder as the “best-kept secret in college basketball,” but Elder had plenty of help against the Red Raiders.

Jarrett Jack scored eight consecutive points midway through the first half and Georgia Tech gradually pulled away. Jack finished with 17 points and Elder had 16. Andre Emmett led Texas Tech (4-1) with 25 points.

Georgia Tech, which entered the game holding opponents to 35.3% shooting, limited the Red Raiders to 39%. They also forced 16 turnovers.

No. 1 Connecticut 76, Utah 44 -- The Huskies played like a top-ranked team as they overwhelmed the Utes in the third-place game.

Connecticut was upset in the semifinals Wednesday by Georgia Tech, 77-61. Emeka Okafor dominated inside as the Huskies scored 13 straight points in the opening minutes.

Okafor had nine points in the first 7 1/2 minutes, matching his total against Georgia Tech. He finished with 21 points and seven rebounds.

Utah made only three baskets in the first 14 1/2 minutes and trailed, 37-13, at halftime.

Connecticut is 4-1; Utah is 3-2.