NICEVILLE, FLA. – Aleska Jugovic’s layup with 22 seconds remaining lifted Tennessee Tech to an 86-85 victory past Omaha at the Emerald Coast Classic basketball tournament Friday.
The Golden Eagles, who improved to 5-1, rallied from an 85-52 deficit with 1:39 remaining.
Two free throws by Courtney Alexander pulled Tennessee Tech within 85-83 with 33 seconds left. Alexander then stole the inbounds pass from Omaha’s Daniel Norl to set up Jugovic’s heroics.
Omaha, which fell to 0-6, missed two short jumpers in the paint in the waning seconds.
There were 12 lead changes and the score was tied 11 times. Omaha overcame a 49-38 deficit to take its first lead since midway through the first half at 64-61 on a three-point basket by Norl.
KJ Robinson scored a game-high 25 points for Omaha, including 14 in the first half.
Mason Ramsey led Tennessee Tech with a career-high 20, points, while Kajon Mack added 19 points.
Jugovic finished with 17 points, including 14 in the second half.
Alexander had a solid floor game with 13 points, 15 rebounds, three assists and two blocked shots. The Golden Eagles outrebounded Omaha, 32-24.
Tennessee Tech, which owned a 42-35 halftime lead, shot 57.1 percent from the floor (32-56). Omaha hit 51.8 percent (29-56).
Tennessee Tech will play the winner of the Maryland Eastern Shore-Jackson State game at 12:30 p.m. Saturday. Omaha will play the loser of that same game at 10 a.m. Saturday
