Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets' Rally Falls Short Against SMU Mustangs at Moody Coliseum

In a conference game that saw the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets face off against the SMU Mustangs at Moody Coliseum, the visiting team's spirited second-half comeback was not enough to secure a win. The Yellow Jackets, who now stand with an additional loss to their record, scored 71 points against the Mustangs' 93 in a game that highlighted both teams' offensive and defensive efforts.

Yellow Jackets' Second-Half Surge

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets found themselves trailing significantly at halftime but managed to ignite their offense in the second half, scoring 52 points compared to their first-half tally of 19. Despite this impressive effort, which included contributions across the board and a notable performance from Javian McCollum who led his team with 20 points alongside five assists and four rebounds, it wasn't enough to close the gap created by the Mustangs in the first half. Naithan George also stood out for his all-around play, contributing 11 points and leading with ten assists.

Georgia Tech showcased its depth with bench players contributing 35 points to their total score. However, turnovers proved costly for them as they gave up possession 22 times throughout the game which translated into significant scoring opportunities for SMU.

Mustangs Maintain Control

The SMU Mustangs demonstrated why they were formidable opponents on their home court. With an efficient offense that saw them shooting at a fifty percent clip from both inside and beyond the arc, they capitalized on turnovers scoring 27 points off Georgia Tech's mistakes. Their balanced attack was spearheaded by aggressive defense that resulted in fifteen steals and kept Georgia Tech under pressure throughout.

Despite being outscored in paint points by just two (34-32), it was SMU's ability to maintain consistent offensive production across both halves that secured their victory. Their largest lead stretched to an imposing thirty-seven points showcasing their dominance during stretches of play.

Looking Ahead

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets will look to regroup as they return home to face Clemson Tigers at Hank McCamish Pavilion on January 14th at 9:00 PM EDT. Fans can catch all the action live on ACC Network as Georgia Tech aims for redemption following this tough road loss.

As we continue covering this season’s journey for Georgia Tech basketball, stay tuned for more updates and analyses of upcoming games. Share this article with fellow fans eager for insights into how our team is shaping up this season!