THE FLATS – Georgia Tech basketball (3-0) came out of the halftime break on a mission, going on two 7-0 scoring runs to defeat Eastern Kentucky (2-1) by a final score of 85-71 on Tuesday night from inside McCamish Pavilion, in Atlanta.
After a slow start, the Jackets entered the halftime break, down 42-41. Tech was rebounding well, but a high-pressure defense from EKU was keeping the offense out of rhythm. That changed in the second half, as Tech upped the intensity on defense while staying aggressive on the glass and taking better care of the ball, leading to two 7-0 scoring runs in the first eight minutes of the second half and eventually, a 14-point win.
Tylis Jordan led the way offensively with 27 points, his first 20-point outing in his collegiate career. Jordan utilized his size down low to go 7-of-9 from inside the arc and 10-of-11 from the free throw line in yet another strong showing from the charity stripe. He was joined in double-digits by Víctor Valdés (17 points) and Colby Garland (17 points). Valdés delivered a special performance, collecting his 17 points on seven shots (5-of-7 / 3-of-5 from three / 4-of-6 from the line) to go along with six rebounds and a team-high six assists to only one turnover.
Nasir Whitlock, Jackson Fields and Cole Kirouac headlined the effort on the boards with seven rebounds each. Tech dominated the glass all night, finishing with a 50-30 advantage in rebounding, including a 15-6 advantage on the offensive glass.
The Jackets took some time to get adjusted to the Colonels press, falling behind 9-19 after nine minutes. But well executed adjustments and six straight points from Valdés sent the Jackets on a 13-2 run. Neither side managed to lead by more than five for the remainder of the half, with EKU in front, 42-41 at the break. Jordan (14), Garland (10) and Valdés (10) each delivered double-digit points in the first half, while Whitlock led the way on the glass, collecting six rebounds to help the Jackets out-rebound EKU 24-15 in the opening 20 minutes.
In the second half, the Jackets got the lead right away thanks to a 7-0 scoring run. The Colonels managed to hang around for a few more possessions until Tech hit them with another 7-0 run, highlighted by a Kirouac dunk for good measure. GT extended the lead to double-digits from there and eventually would get its third win on the young season.
The Yellow Jackets look to stay in the win column this Saturday when they host UNC Asheville. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m. at McCamish Pavilion. Tickets are still available and can be purchased by clicking HERE.