THE FLATS – Georgia Tech wrapped up preseason play rolling past Morehouse College, 89-52, in an exhibition contest at McCamish Pavilion Sunday afternoon. Four Yellow Jackets finished in double figures.
The Yellow Jackets opened with a quick tempo and kept the momentum going in the first half, leading 45-25 at the break. Paced by Michael Devoe’s 13 first-half points, the Jackets shot 60.0 percent (18-30) in the opening 20 minutes, while holding Morehouse to a 34.6 percent (9-26) clip from the field. Strong defense from the Yellow Jackets kept the Tigers at bay as Tech forced 15 turnovers in the first half, converting for 22 points.
Devoe added 10 points in the second half to finish with 23 on the day, while Jordan Usher (16 points), Dallan Coleman (10 points) and Deivon Smith (10 points) reached double-digits in the final 20 minutes. Tech kept a strong advantage rolling in the second half, building its lead to as many as 37 points, to close out the commanding victory.
Overall, the Yellow Jackets were 49.2 percent from the field and outrebounded the Tigers, 41-to-36. Saba Gibigeria and Usher led Tech on the glass, each securing six rebounds. Smith finished the day with 10 points and a team-high eight assists.
Morehouse was led offensively by Tavares Oliver, Jr. with 16 points and Olisa Akonobi and Jordan Sterling with five rebounds apiece. The Tigers finished at a 28.1 percent (16-57) shooting clip.
The Yellow Jackets officially tip off the season on Nov. 9, welcoming Miami (Ohio) to McCamish Pavilion for a 7:30 p.m. start. The game will be live streamed on ACC Network Extra, available on the ESPN app.
Transfer Deivon Smith scored 10 points and dished eight assists. (photo by Anthony McClellan)
Post-Game Notes
- Georgia Tech improved to 3-0 all-time in its series vs. Morehouse
- Tech played everybody on its roster vs. Morehouse except senior guard Bubba Parham and sophomore guard Tristan Maxwell, both out with injuries. Senior guard Michael Devoe led the Jackets with 20:54 of court time.
- Every available player scored at least one point except starting center Rodney Howard (0-for-1 FG) and walk-on freshman guard Jermontae Hill (also 0-for-1).
- The Yellow Jackets open the regular season Nov. 9 vs. Miami, Ohio, with tip time at 7:30 p.m. at McCamish Pavilion.
- Tech recorded 16 steals, one more than it totalled in the ACC Championship game against Florida State last March.
Freshman Dallan “Deebo” Coleman hit a pair of threes and scored 10 points. (photo by Anthony McClellan)
Multimedia
Head coach Josh Pastner post-game press conference
Sophomore guard Deivon Smith and sophomore center Saba Gigiberia
