Tech picked up their third win in a row to get back above a .500 record.
Georgia Tech picked up their third straight win in impressive fashion with an 85-64 victory over Boston College at home, getting back above a .500 record. The Jackets held a solid 44-31 lead at halftime and cruised to the win behind a well-rounded effort from multiple contributors.
Nait George Leads the Way with a Double-Double
Sophomore guard Nait George was a major catalyst for Georgia Tech’s victory, finishing with a double-double of 10 points and 10 assists. Six of those assists came in the first half, where he helped set the tone with a blend of timely passing and scoring. George’s floor leadership and ability to facilitate Georgia Tech’s offense were pivotal in the Jackets’ strong opening frame.
Javian McCollum Continues His Strong Play
Javian McCollum, who has been showing flashes of his potential, delivered another solid performance. The senior guard scored 20 points on an efficient 6-of-9 shooting, continuing his recent hot streak. After posting 18 points against Alabama A&M and 21 points in a win over Notre Dame, McCollum is starting to look like the player many expected to see this season. His scoring was crucial in helping Georgia Tech maintain control of the game and Damon Stoudamire may have found something by having him come off the bench.
Duncan Powell’s Hot Start from Beyond the Arc
Duncan Powell continues to emerge as a reliable outside shooting threat for Georgia Tech. After a 3-of-8 effort from three-point range against Notre Dame, Powell went a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc in the first half, contributing 11 points. Although he was held scoreless in the second half, his early shooting helped provide the Jackets with a comfortable lead heading into the break.
Ibrahim Souare’s Strong Defensive Presence
Redshirt freshman big man Ibrahim Souare was also impressive, providing great minutes in the paint with 6 rebounds and 4 blocks in 23 minutes of play. His defense and rim protection played a crucial role in limiting Boston College’s inside scoring and helped Tech maintain control on both ends of the floor.
Balanced Scoring and Defensive Effort
Georgia Tech also showed depth in their scoring, with Lance Terry leading the team with 20 points. The senior guard had a highlight-reel dunk at the 3-minute mark of the second half, a posterizing and-one finish that electrified the home crowd. Terry has been one of the most consistent performers for the Jackets this season and showed his ability to take over the game when needed.
Freshman Jaeden Mustaf continues to impress in his debut season, scoring 8 points on an efficient 4-of-6 shooting. Mustaf’s athleticism and ability to finish at the rim are becoming a regular feature of his game, and his development is a positive sign for Georgia Tech’s future.
Defensive Success Against Dylan Hand
One of the key matchups coming into the game was Boston College’s leading scorer, Dylan Hand. The Jackets’ defense did a superb job limiting Hand to just 6 points on 2-of-7 shooting. Georgia Tech’s ability to lock down on Hand and keep him from getting into an offensive rhythm was a key factor in keeping the Eagles at bay.
Rebounding Edge and Free Throw Struggles
One of the things Boston College does well is rebound the basketball, but Georgia Tech won the battle on the boards, 32-31. This marked an important victory for the Jackets, especially considering BC’s size and physicality. However, there was notable concern in Georgia Tech’s free throw shooting, as they struggled once again from the line, shooting just 15-of-27. The Jackets are ranked 234th in the country in free throw percentage, and it’s an area that will need to improve if they want to continue their strong play.
Foul Trouble for Ndongo
Another area of concern for the Jackets is the ongoing foul trouble for sophomore star big man Baye Ndongo. After fouling out of the previous game against Notre Dame, Ndongo found himself in foul trouble again, playing just 21 minutes and being limited by his fourth foul in the second half. Ndongo is averaging over 3 fouls per game and his inability to stay on the floor could become an issue if it continues, especially in the later stages of the season.
Looking Ahead
With the win, Georgia Tech improves to 8-7 on the season, and they will look to carry this momentum into their next game at Syracuse on Tuesday. The Orange sit at just 6-7 on the year and present another winnable game for the Jackets.
With key players like McCollum, Terry, George, and Powell stepping up, Georgia Tech is looking more and more like a team that can possibly make some noise in the ACC as the season progresses.