South Georgia Tech knocks off nationally ranked Shelton State

Staff Reports

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Kyle Smith and Amir Eichelberger combined for 50 points, and Frankie Raines put South Georgia Tech ahead for good with a late three-point play as the Jets rallied to beat No. 23 Shelton State 90-83 on Wednesday.

The Jets (3-2) won their third straight game and knocked off a Top 25 opponent for the second time this season. They did it in Shelton State’s home opener after falling behind 10-0.

The Bucs (3-1) stretched their lead to 14-3 before South Georgia Tech chipped away. Eichelberger hit a jumper to give the Jets their first lead at 29-28, but Shelton State closed the half on a 17-8 run to go up 45-38.

South Georgia Tech scored the first 12 points of the second half to reclaim the lead at 50-45. The teams traded leads until Raines converted a basket and free throw with less than five minutes left, putting the Jets ahead 71-69. South Georgia Tech pushed the margin to 86-77 with less than 30 seconds remaining in a game that featured eight lead changes and six ties.

Smith led the Jets with 26 points despite sitting out much of the second half after picking up his fourth foul. Eichelberger scored 12 points in each half to finish with 24. Freshman Cameron Jackson added 14, and Raines scored all 10 of his points after halftime.

The winning streak began at the Eastern Florida Classic in Melbourne, Fla., where the Jets beat Eastern Florida State 97-88 in overtime and followed with a 90-76 win over Indian River State. Smith scored 22 points against Indian River State, Raines added 17 and Jamian Jackson finished with 12.

South Georgia Tech will host the Sparky Reeves Classic on Nov. 20-21. The Jets will face Eastern Florida State again at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 20 before playing Florida SouthWestern State at 3 p.m. Nov. 21.