Facing huge adversity for having lost four games in a row, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets had their back against the wall heading into their game against the Virginia Tech Hokies. The Yellow Jackets would use that as fuel for a much-needed win, as they defeated the Hokies 71-64.
Yellow Jackets forward would be the star of the night for the team in the game, as he would score 16 points in the first half to get the offense rolling and would carry that momentum as he set a new career-high in points with 23. Three other Yellow Jackets would score in double figures: Javian McCollum with 16, Baye Ndongo with 14, and Naithan George with 11. As a team, the Yellow Jackets out rebounded the Hokies 39-29.
The second half of the game started with the Hokies going on a 7-2 run to take a 42-41 lead after a layup by Tyler Johnson. The offense for the Yellow Jackets would struggle getting things going in the second half, scoring four points in the first six minutes of the period.
The two teams would take turns trading shots at each other inside the paint and drawing fouls throughout the rest of the period, with the Yellow Jackets at one point going to the free throw line for three straight possessions. The Yellow Jackets would separate themselves in those three possessions, as they would take a 53-47 lead with 11:14 left in the game. A series of turnovers by the Yellow Jackets would allow the Hokies to get back in the game, coming within two points, 53-51.
The Yellow Jackets would build a 59-51 lead, but back-to-back possessions by the Hokies would result in made three-pointers to make it 59-57 in favor of the Yellow Jackets. The Yellow Jackets would hold on for a 71-64 victory, ending their losing streak.
The Yellow Jackets will be back in action next Tuesday, Jan. 28, against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.