Three Takeaways From Georgia Tech's Win Over Clemson

Georgia Tech Stunned Clemson in Double Overtime last night

It did not look good for the Yellow Jackets late in the fourth quarter, but somehow, somehow, Damon Stoudamire's team got a win on the road against a Clemson team that many projects to be in the NCAA Tournament. 

Trailing by nine with less than two minutes remaining, Georgia Tech hit clutch basket after clutch basket (particularly freshman point guard Nait George) and they had help from Clemson missing some timely free throws. When it was all said and done, Georgia Tech ended their five-game losing streak and earned their second ACC win of the season. 

So what are the key takeaways for Georgia Tech after last night?

1. Nait George had his best game of the season

Georgia Tech point guard Nait George / Georgia Tech Athletics

Georgia Tech's losing streak would still be going if it were not for freshman point guard Nait George. George led the Yellow Jackets with 20 points and six assists while shooting 8-13 from the field and 4-7 from three. George is a talented young point guard who hit shot after shot last night when he was called upon. 

ICE IN HIS VEINS 🧊🧊🧊 https://t.co/rBaEqaQCUl pic.twitter.com/1Ned2SR9YB

— Georgia Tech Men’s Basketball (@GTMBB) January 17, 2024

There have certainly been some growing pains for George this season, but last night showed why Stoudamire trusts him and loves his potential. If he can keep improving, he has a chance to be the best Georgia Tech point guard in a while. 

2. Georgia Tech was able to close out a close game

If you look at the Yellow Jackets' record, you would think that the Yellow Jackets are a terrible team that is noncompetitive in ACC games. If you watch them though, Georgia Tech is in every game they play and has had a chance to win every ACC game. 

Last Saturday, they were leading Duke by 10 on the road in Cameron Indoor Stadium, but could not finish that game. They blew a 16-point lead against Boston College but ended up losing that game. They had Notre Dame in overtime, but the offense went cold. This was a time when Georgia Tech made the winning plays at the end of the game which allowed them to win a big game on the road.

3. The Three-Point Defense was a big reason for the win

Georgia Tech had a very good night shooting from deep and Clemson did not. 

Clemson shot 41% from the field and a ghastly 14% from three while Georgia Tech shot 43% from three. Georgia Tech hit 12 more three-pointers than Clemson and when you have that big of an advantage, you should win more often than not. 

There were other areas (rebounding for example) in which Georgia Tech did not do as well, but they benefitted from a poor shooting night from the Tigers. 

Georgia Tech Outlasts Clemson in Double Overtime, Snaps Five-Game Losing Streak

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