CLEMSON, S.C. – Georgia Tech held the lead the majority of the first quarter, but Clemson gained momentum in the second stanza and carried it into the second half. The Yellow Jackets closed within single digits late in the third quarter, but the Tigers held off the rally, securing a 71-61 win Thursday night. Georgia Tech moved to 12-6 overall and 2-3 in ACC play.
How It Happened
Georgia Tech came out of the gates strong and led by five points early in the contest, but Clemson gained its first lead after the media timeout. The Jackets closed the period with a 6-0 run to lead 14-9 entering the second quarter, but the Tigers quickly tied the contest with a 5-0 run to open the frame. After Elizabeth Balogun halted the spurt, Clemson took its final lead of the game on a Danielle Edwards three-pointer at the 5:21 mark. The Tigers continued to pull away in the second stanza, outscoring the Jackets, 25-9, to lead 34-23 at intermission.
Clemson built its lead out to 20 points in the third quarter before Tech started its rally and posted a 16-4 run over the next five minutes of the period to setup a 53-45 ballgame. Trailing by 10 to start the final stanza, the Jackets were never able to lessen their deficit as Clemson matched Tech in scoring, 16-16, in the final 10 minutes to take away a 71-61 victory.
Tech Tidbits
* Three Yellow Jackets finished in double-figures led by Balogun with 23 points behind a career-high six three-pointers
* Kierra Fletcher added 13 points and Lotta-Maj Lahtinen posted 10 points (all coming in the third quarter)
* Clemson shot 45.5 percent (25-55) from the field to Tech’s 35.1 percent (20-57)
* Tech shot 45.0 percent (9-20) from three-point range led by Balogun’s six
* The Tigers finished 19-for-26 at the free throw line – Tech was 12-for-20
* Clemson narrowly won the rebounding battle, 36-32, paced by 10 rebounds from Kobi Thornton
Next Up
Georgia Tech returns back to McCamish Pavilion to host No. 12 Syracuse on Sunday. Tip is slated for 2 p.m. on ACC Network Extra.
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