Jace Evans, USA TODAY
Published 11:59 p.m. ET March 13, 2021 | Updated 12:00 a.m. ET March 14, 2021
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Georgia Tech won its first ACC tournament title since 1993 by knocking off No. 13 Florida State 80-75 Saturday night in the final.
At the heart of the action, like he is for almost every Georgia Tech game, was senior guard Jose Alvarado. The Yellow Jackets’ 6-foot sparkplug was all over the place against the Seminoles, recording 13 points and a team-high five steals for an active Georgia Tech defense that had 15 steals and forced 25 turnovers.
Following the Yellow Jackets’ breakthrough win — they’re heading to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 11 years — in their fifth season under coach Josh Pastner, Alvarado let his emotions show.
“This is why I worked my butt off. A lot of people doubted me, I wasn’t supposed to be in the ACC, (Pastner) took a chance on me. And my teammates man, how good are they man,” Alvarado said during his postgame interview on ESPN.
“This is like a dream come true and I’m proud of my guys. I love this win. This is going to last me a lifetime.”
Alvarado is a two-time All-ACC performer and was named the league’s Defensive Player of the Year this season. In his fourth season, all spent primarily as a starter, he’s averaged 13.5 points per game and 2.1 steals.
Now, he leads Georgia Tech into the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2010.
“I’m so happy I get a chance to tell (my family) I’m a champion and bring a trophy home to Georgia Tech,” said Alvarado, whose daughter and father were in the stands.
Among those who were moved by Alvarado’s words: Dwyane Wade. “The passion. I love it!!” the NBA legend tweeted.
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