ATLANTA–Bethune-Cookman nearly pulled a “Grambling” on Sunday in Atlanta, but just barely missed out on an upset bid against Georgia Tech.
The Wildcats (5-3) lost 68-65 to the Yellowjackets (3-2), despite leading for 21 minutes. Cletrell Pope tied the game on a dunk with 28 seconds remaining but Michael Devoe converted an and-one with seven seconds remaining for the victory.
[inArticle]
Moral victories aren’t very popular in college athletics but afterward, coach Ryan Ridder didn’t have much to hang his head about.
“I’ll tell you what I told my team – I’m really, really proud to be their coach. And not because a win or a loss or because we competed. But as a coach you love your guys to emulate playing the right way. I thought tonight and this season we’ve had guys who are putting winning above themselves,” Ridder said.
A terrible night at the free-throw line kept BCU in the game. Georgia Tech was 9 of 19 in the second half.
The player of the game was clearly Cletrell Pope. He chipped in 20 points and snagged 19 rebounds for his 29th career double-double.
“He plays really hard… he’s really wiry and strong. He’s got a great second bounce. He’s just relentless. When the shot goes up, it’s like an all-you-can-eat buffet,” Ridder said.
BCU held the biggest lead of the night when it jumped out to a 20-10 lead in the first half. The Wildcats held a two-point margin at halftime, before the back and forth second half took off.
Bethune-Cookman doesn’t have time to let this one marinate, the Wildcats are back on the road Tuesday at Stetson.