Fort Myers, Fla. – Ja’von Franklin posted his second double-double in three games, but Georgia Tech had little else Wednesday night, falling behind by double digits early and taking an 84-60 loss to Marquette in the third-place game of the Rocket Mortgage Fort Myers Tip-Off.
For the second straight night, Tech (3-2) fell behind by double digits early in the game, but unlike Monday’s loss to Utah, the Yellow Jackets were unable to recover. The Golden Eagles (4-2) raced out to a 15-2 lead, making six of their first 10 shots, while the Jackets misfired on six of their first seven.
The closest Tech was able to get was seven points at 26-19 with 7:55 remaining in the first half, but Marquette’s Tyler Kolek knocked down a three-point basket and the Golden Eagles led by double digits the rest of the way, increasing the advantage to as many as 29 late in the second half.
Marquette shot 50 percent in the first half to lead 41-28 at the break, and finished at 47.5 percent while the Yellow Jackets connected on 33.8 percent, a season low.
Franklin, a transfer from South Alabama making his first start of the season, scored a team-high 17 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, one off his career high set last year. He hit 6-of-9 shots from the floor and all four of his free throw attempts, adding two blocked shots and two assists with no turnovers in 35:23.
Kyle Sturdivant was the only other Jacket to reach double figures, scoring 10 points.
Kam Jones led Marquette with 19 points, hitting four three-point baskets, while Kolek finished with 14, Sean Jones added 11 and Oso Ighodaro added 10.
Tech returns home for its next game, Saturday at 4 pm against North Alabama at McCamish Pavilion. The game will be streamed live on ACC Network Extra and ESPN Plus.
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