THE FLATS – The Yellow Jackets cut it to five points late in the fourth quarter, but it wasn’t enough to overcome a strong start from Auburn as No. 18 Georgia Tech dropped its first game of the season Sunday afternoon, 59-51.
Shooting struggles plagued the Jackets (4-1) in the first half, allowing Auburn to build its lead out to as many as 20 points and hold a 33-16 lead at halftime. After shooting 25.0 percent from the field in the opening two frames, Tech came out and dominated the third quarter, outscoring Auburn 21-11, slowing trimming its deficit. Tech shot 47.1 percent from the field in the third, going 4-for-7 from the free throw line and committing only one turnover. Auburn was held to a 33.3 percent shooting clip with no attempts at the charity stripe as Tech cut the score to 44-37 entering the final quarter.
While Auburn shot only 27.3 percent in the final quarter, the Tigers converted 9-of-12 free throw attempts to hold off Tech’s rally. The Jackets would cut the score to five points, 56-51, but could not overcome the Tigers at the free throw line.
Lotta-Maj Lahtinen and Nerea Hermosa both finished in double-figures, contributing 12 and 11 points, respectively. Tech won the battle on the glass for the fifth time this season, 39-29, paced by nine rebounds from Hermosa.
Honesty Scott-Grayson led all scorers with 18 points, followed by Aicha Coulibaly with 14. The Tigers went 10-for-14 at the free throw line (71.4 percent), while Tech finished 11-of-19 (57.9 percent).
The Yellow Jackets return to action on Wednesday, Nov. 24, welcoming Hofstra for a midweek tilt. Tip is slated for noon on ACC Network Extra.