BALTIMORE, Md. – Georgia Tech men’s basketball opened preseason play with an exhibition game against Maryland Sunday afternoon. Nasir Whitlock, Kayden Allen and Tylis Jordan all posted double-figure scoring totals in an 85-70 loss inside the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena on the campus of UMBC.
In its first of two exhibition games before regular-season play begins, Tech saw action from 11 Yellow Jackets, including three from its freshmen class. Whitlock led the way offensively, scoring 17 points on 5-of-9 shooting with a trio of three-pointers, and a 4-for-6 effort at the free throw line. Allen added 15 points to the scoreboard in his White and Gold debut, while Jordan, who was scoreless in the first half, finished with 13 points.
Jackson Fields just missed a double-double with a team-high 10 rebounds and nine points. In total, Tech saw offensive production from seven different Jackets.
Tech kept the game within two possessions in the early going before Maryland opened a double-digit lead in the first half. The Terrapins led by as many as 27 points in the second half before the Jackets slowly chipped away at its deficit, cutting the score to 13 points with a minute to play before the 85-70 final score.
The Jackets shot 37.9 percent (22-58) from the field and 69.0 percent (20-29) from the free throw line. Maryland won the rebounding battle, 44-33, but Tech was efficient with its 12 offensive boards, converting for 17 points. The Terrapins shot 48.3 percent (29-60) from the floor and 70.4 percent (19-27) at the charity stripe. Pharrel Payne led the Terps with 16 points.
Georgia Tech wraps up preseason play with its second exhibition at Providence on Oct. 24. Tip is slated for 12 p.m.
Whitlock, Allen Lead Jackets in Exhibition
Georgia Tech opens preseason play with exhibition game against Maryland
Nasir Whitlock led the Yellow Jackets with 17 points in the outingPOSTGAME NOTES
- Georgia Tech shot 37.9 percent from the field and hit six three-pointers in the outing
- Tech converted 20-of-29 free throw attempts, paced by a perfect 7-for-7 showing from freshman Kayden Allen
- Four Yellow Jackets finished with double-figure numbers – Nasir Whitlock (17 points), Allen (15 points), Tylis Jordan (13 points) and Jackson Fields (10 rebounds)
- Nasir Whitlock finished with a team-high 17 points on five field goals, including three triples, and four free throws
- Kayden Allen’s 15 points came off four field goals and a 7-for-7 showing at the charity stripe
- Tylis Jordan finished with 13 points, all coming in the second half, converting five field goals and two free throws in 26 minutes of playing time
- Jackson Fields pulled down a team-high 10 rebounds, including five offensive, to pace the Jackets on the glass, while playing 26 minutes
- Freshman Moustapha Diop chipped in seven points in his first outing, while senior Colby Garland added six points and a team-high three steals
- Freshman Kaiden Bailey hit a three-pointer in the contest and dished out a team-high three assists
Full Steam Ahead
Full Steam Ahead is a $500 million fundraising initiative to achieve Georgia Tech athletics’ goal of competing for championships at the highest level in the next era of intercollegiate athletics. The initiative will fund transformative projects for Tech athletics, including renovations of Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field (the historic home of Georgia Tech football), the Zelnak Basketball Center (the practice and training facility for Tech basketball) and O’Keefe Gymnasium (the venerable home of Yellow Jackets volleyball), as well as additional projects and initiatives to further advance Georgia Tech athletics through program wide-operational support. All members of the Georgia Tech community are invited to visit atfund.org/FullSteamAhead for full details and renderings of the renovation projects, as well as to learn about opportunities to contribute online.
ABOUT GEORGIA TECH MEN’S BASKETBALL
Scott Cross was named the 16th head coach in Georgia Tech men’s basketball program history on March 20, 2026. Georgia Tech’s men’s basketball has been a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference since 1979, won four ACC Championships (1985, 1990, 1993, 2021), played in the NCAA Tournament 17 times and played in two Final Fours (1990, 2004). Connect with Georgia Tech Men’s Basketball on social media by liking their Facebook Page, or following on X (@GTMBB) and Instagram. For more information on Tech basketball, visit Ramblinwreck.com.