THE FLATS – Georgia Tech shot nearly 60 percent from the floor, Deivon Smith led five players in double-figure scoring, and the Yellow Jackets got back in the win column Saturday night with an 80-61 men’s basketball victory over North Alabama at McCamish Pavilion.
Tech (4-2) raced out to an 11-0 lead as North Alabama (4-3) missed its first six shots from the floor, and added another 10-0 run minutes later to lead 21-9 eight and a half minutes into the game. The Yellow Jackets connected on 58.1 percent of their shots in the first half, while limiting the Lions to 33.3 percent in building a 43-24 lead at intermission.
The Yellow Jackets shot even better after the break, connecting on 61.9 percent from the floor, and built their lead to as many as 25 points in the first five minutes of the half. The Lions trimmed the deficit to 16 in two occasions after that, but could get no closer.
Smith matched his personal best as a Jacket with 16 points, while Deebo Coleman scored 14, Jalon Moore matched his career high with 13, and Miles Kelly and Lance Terry each added 12. It was the second time this season Tech had five players register double figures, and the Jackets finished the game hitting 59.6 percent from the floor. Tech scored 48 of its points in the paint and also hit 6-for-19 from three-point range.
Bryson Dawkins led the Lions with 12 points, while Daniel Braster scored 11 and K.J. Johnson 10. UNA shot 4-of-18 from three-point range.
Tech goes back on the road for the fourth time in seven games when it visits Iowa in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge Tuesday night. Tip time is 9 p.m., and the game will be televised on ESPNU.
Deivon Smith equalled his scoring high in a Tech uniform with 16 points, adding four assists against North Alabama. (photo by Clyde Click)
Post-Game Notes
- Tech changed its starting lineup for the second straight game, interesting Miles Kelly and Jalon Moore for Lance Terry and Kyle Sturdivant, who had started the Yellow Jackets’ first five games. Ja’von Franklin started his second straight game at the “5” spot in place of Rodney Howard, while Deebo Coleman and Deivon Smith remained in the starting five for the sixth straight game.
- Five players in double figures for second time this season (six reached double figures vs. Clayton State). All eight rotation players who saw action made the scoring column.
- Tech has utilized a nine-player rotation in each of its first four games. All nine scored points against Clayton State and Northern Illinois, while eight registered in the scoring column at Georgia State. Seven tallied against Utah, nine of 10 scored against Marquette and all eight scored against North Alabama. Tristan Maxwell did not play due to an injury.
- After shooting season lows in each game of the Fort Myers Tip-Off, Tech rebounded with its best shooting effort of the season – 59.6 percent – and was equally accurate in each half, connecting on 58.1 percent before intermission and 61.9 percent after.
- Tech has won the turnover battle in five of six games, doing so against North Alabama despite committing a season-high 14. The Lions committed 16. The Yellow Jackets have a season turnover margin of plus-3.5.
- Tech has limited its foes to 24.8-percent from three-point range this season, holding North Alabama to just 4-of-18. Only Utah (31.3 percent) and Marquette (39.1 percent) have connected on 30 percent or better.
- Deebo Coleman has made a three in all six games this season, and has scored in double figures in four of six games.
- Deivon Smith has scored in double figures in four of Tech’s six games. He matched his career best in points as a Yellow Jacket with 16 against North Alabama. He scored 16 against North Carolina and Clemson last season.
- Smith has 14 assists in his last three games and leads the Yellow Jackets with 3.2 per game. He also has 19 rebounds in the last three games and is second on the team at 6.0 per game.
- Jalon Moore has scored in double figures twice this season – the opener vs. Clayton State (11 pts) and North Alabama (13). He tied his career best against the Lions.
- Lance Terry is 4-of-8 from three-point range in his last two games. He was 0-for-3 in the three games prior after going 4-for-8 in the opener vs. Clayton State. He reached double figures for the second time this season against North Alabama.
- Miles Kelly has scored in double figures in four of six games. He failed to make a three-pointer for the second straight game, however, and is 0-for-5 in the last two games.
Jalom Moore matched his career high in points with 13 and grabbed eight rebounds against the Lions. (photo by Clyde Click)
