THE FLATS – Kierra Fletcher notched a double-double and was one of four Yellow Jackets to post double-figure scoring numbers as Georgia Tech defeated Clemson, 75-53, Thursday night in McCamish Pavilion. The fourth-straight win pushed Tech to 17-9 overall and 7-6 in ACC play.
“I was really pleased with the balance offensively that we got, but more importantly, I was pleased with our defensive play,” commented head coach MaChelle Joseph. “To force Clemson into 31 turnovers – any ACC team into 31 turnovers – then you know you’re doing something right on the defensive end. I was really proud of the way we rebounded the basketball and shared the basketball offensively.”
How It Happened
Georgia Tech built a 17-point lead in the first half shooting 40.5 percent (15-37) from the floor, while holding Clemson to 28.1 percent (9-32). Following its second timeout of the half, Clemson put together an 8-2 spurt to come within 11 points before Elizabeth Dixon scored four unanswered to give Tech a 34-19 edge with 1:25 to play in the second quarter. The Tigers closed the frame with a free throw and three-pointer for the 34-23 halftime score.
Outscoring the Tigers 24-13 in the third quarter, the Jackets gained its largest lead of the game at the quarter break, 58-36. Francesca Pan led the offense in the frame, sinking a trio of three-pointers for nine points. Tech created its largest lead of 27 points in the fourth quarter, opening the frame with a 7-2 run. The closest the Tigers would come the remainder of the contest was 18 points, 67-49.
Tech Tidbits
* Georgia Tech shot 47.4 percent in the first quarter to outscore Clemson 21-11
* Both teams committed 17 turnovers apiece in the first half – GT converting the Clemson miscues into 13 points
* Tech scored 28 points in the paint in the first half and finished with a 48-32 edge
* The Jackets led on the glass, 27-20, at intermission paced by eight first half rebounds from Lorela Cubaj
* For the game, Tech shot 43.5 percent (30-69), while holding Clemson to a 35.7 percent (20-56) efficiency
* Dixon led all scorers with 17 points, followed by Fletcher (13), Elizabeth Balogun (12) and Pan (12)
* Fletcher posted her second double-double of the season with 13 points and 11 rebounds
* Fletcher finished with seven assists and five steals
* Cubaj was one point shy of a double-double with 10 rebounds and nine points
* Tech won the battle on the glass, 45-33, led by Fletcher’s 11 rebounds
* Tech forced 31 Clemson turnovers in the outing, converting the miscues into 27 points
* Tech finished with 19 assists and 18 steals on the night
Next Up
The Jackets visit Virginia for a Sunday matchup in Charlottesville. Tip is slated for 3 p.m. on RSN, locally on Fox Sports South.
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