
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, November 16, 1995                   TAG: 9511160067
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: From Associated Press reports
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

MARBURY'S DEBUT A WIN FOR GA. TECH

Celebrated freshman recruit Stephon Marbury didn't live up to expectations Wednesday night when Georgia Tech opened the season with an 87-67 rout of Manhattan in the first round of the Preseason National Invitation Tournament in Atlanta.

He had a good excuse.

Fighting a case of tonsillitis that required a shot before the game, Marbury scored 16 points, but made only six of 14 shots in his 31 minutes on the floor.

``I couldn't jump or shoot,'' Marbury said. ``My body felt cold. I was going to play regardless. I wasn't going to miss my first college game.''

Matt Harpring led Georgia Tech with 24 points, sending the Yellow Jackets into a second-round game against Oklahoma, a 99-68 winner over Jackson State, at the Georgia Dome on Friday night.

Notes

GUARD SIGNS WITH TECH: Nathaniel Bailey, a 5-foot-11 guard from Johnson City, has affirmed his oral commitment to Virginia Tech and signed a letter of intent with the Hokies, the school announced.

Bailey, the most valuable player last season in the Tennessee Class AAA tournament, averaged 18.2 points and 8.0 assists at Science Hill High School.

``There is no question that he has the ability to come in and contribute as a freshman,'' said Bill Foster, Tech's coach.

by CNB