Rice’s return sparks Georgia Tech

Glen Rice Jr. scored 19 points, 15 in the second half, and Georgia Tech surged back from an early 13-point deficit to stop Virginia Commonwealth 66-53 in the Charleston (S.C.) Classic on Friday night.

Rice is Georgia Tech’s leading returning scorer and rebounder, but he did not play in his team’s first three games because of a suspension by coach Brian Gregory for team rules violations.

With the Jackets trailing 38-33, Rice hit back-to-back 3-pointers to give the Yellow Jackets a lead that they would not surrender.

Quotable

• “[Rice] gives us more depth on the perimeter and, two, we get more guys who can make plays for each other.” -Gregory.
• “I was pretty happy because players don’t like to sit out. I was a little nervous in the beginning, but thanks to my team, they helped me get back in it.” – Rice
• “Beating them, it made us feel good. But what felt the best was knowing we stuck together as a team even when they threw their best punch.” – Rice

Notes

• Rice hit 7 of 11 field-goal attempts. He tied for the team high with eight rebounds and four assists.
• VCU, an NCAA tournament surprise a season ago when it made the Final Four, fell to 1-2. The Rams had won six in a row against teams from BCS conferences before losing in Charleston on back-to-back nights.
• Georgia Tech will play LSU in the fifth place game at 2:30 p.m. Sunday.