The Yellowjackets outlasted the Virginia Tech Hokies in a hard-fought 77-70 victory. Coming into the game, the matchup between the Yellowjackets and the Hokies was a big game because both teams are ACC rivals. Both the Yellowjackets nor the Hokies have not been playing their best basketball throughout the season, so both teams were motivated to turn things around and get a win for their ball clubs.
Photo Cred: USA Today
Early in the game: both teams came out early and set the tone throughout the game. The intensity was high, and both ball clubs knew playing well early on would set the tone throughout the game. Virginia Tech’s Grant Basile scored nine quick early points for his team within the first minutes of the half. Basile made his presence felt throughout the game.
Early on, it felt like the Hokies were the better team. However, that would not last long because the Yellowjackets responded with a run led by Miles Kelly and Deebo Coleman. Miles Kelly sparked his team with a gorgeous finish around the rim. From that moment, the Jackets went on an offensive run. Gaining some momentum and started making their run.
Photo Cred: Georgia Tech Athletics
Deebo Coleman led the charge for his team midway through the first half with his play offensively. Coleman made consecutive threes back-to-back which got the Yellowjackets fan base engaged in the ball game. Miles Kelly followed the lead of Coleman and made a few plays of his own, giving Georgia Tech a 41-31 halftime lead.
Going into the second half: the Yellowjackets were shooting 53% from three-point range. On the other hand, the Hokies entered the second half of the ball game shooting 11% from three-point range. If the Hokies wanted to win the game, they needed to shoot better from three-point range and get to the free-throw line because they did not go to the free-throw line in the first half.
Photo Cred: Georgia Tech Athletics
In the second half, Deebo Coleman kept the hot hand going and led the charge with his play on both sides of the ball. Ja’Von Franklin had a great second half of the game. Franklin had two monster dunks that united the crowd. Virginia Tech continued to struggle from the three-point range. Georgia Tech was starting to pull away and gain momentum.
Late in the second half, the Huskies started to claw themselves back in the game with their ability to crash the boards and create second-chance points. Virginia Tech cut the deficit down to single digits, and they had a chance to steal the game.
Photo Cred: Georgia Tech Athletics
The Huskies had a few missed opportunities late in the game, which would impact the game for Georgia Tech. Georgia Tech won the game 77-70, making their record (10-16) for the season. The Yellow Jackets next game; will be on Saturday, February 18th, against Florida Tech.
