Georgia Tech's Struggles Continue in ACC Play

As the Yellow Jackets (9-9, 0-5) face a daunting prospect of trying to get their first ACC victory, they can't seem to close out games, losing their third in conference play to Boston College 80-76 in overtime. The Jackets erased a 14-point deficit with under seven minutes left, only to fall short. Gani Lawal's impressive performance, with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and six blocks, couldn't compensate for Tech's inability to manage the game down the stretch.

Key Takeaways:

• Georgia Tech has lost four straight games since beating Georgia and now faces the prospect of trying to get their first ACC victory against No. 10 Clemson or No. 1 Wake Forest.
• The Jackets have lost three ACC games in which they blew a late lead, including the overtime loss to Boston College.
• Gani Lawal had an impressive night with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and six blocks, but still committed seven turnovers without an assist.
• Iman Shumpert led Tech with 16 points, all scored after halftime, but the Jackets struggled with turnovers, committing 20 compared to 13 assists.
• Boston College's Tyrese Rice scored 26 points, including all 10 of his free throws, and made the game-sealing layup in overtime.
• The Jackets struggled from beyond the arc, making only 6 of 24, but showed improvement from the foul line, making 14 of 19.

Statistics:

• Georgia Tech has lost 4 straight games since beating Georgia.
• The Jackets have committed 20 turnovers in three ACC games, including 7 by Gani Lawal in the loss to Boston College.
• Iman Shumpert scored 16 points, all after halftime, in the loss to Boston College.
• Tyrese Rice made 10-of-10 free throws in the win over Georgia Tech.
• Boston College outrebounded Georgia Tech 34-29 in the game.

Sources:

• The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "Georgia Tech Falls to Boston College in Overtime," January 21, 2009.