ATLANTA – In a much-needed win, Duncan Powell delivered a career-best performance with 23 points, helping Georgia Tech break a four-game losing streak by defeating Virginia Tech 71-64 on Wednesday night.
Powell, a junior player, showcased his skills by sinking 7 of 11 attempts from the field, including three successful 3-pointers, while also contributing six rebounds for the Yellow Jackets, who now stand at 9-11 overall and 3-6 in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Supporting Powell, Javian McCollum contributed 16 points along with four assists. Baye Ndongo also had an impressive game, averaging 14 points, nine rebounds, five steals, and four assists. Naithan George added 11 points to the team’s effort, along with seven assists and three steals.
On the Virginia Tech side, Tyler Johnson led with 14 points on 5-for-7 shooting. Tobi Lawal contributed 13 points and six rebounds, while Rodney Brown Jr. chipped in with 10 points and five boards from the bench.
Georgia Tech entered halftime with a slight edge of 39-35, thanks in part to Powell’s 16 points, including a critical 3-pointer that helped secure a 10-4 run to close the half.
In the second half, the lead shifted frequently, with four changes and three ties within the first 7:12 minutes. A layup from Ndongo put Georgia Tech ahead 49-47, followed by a scoring surge from McCollum, extending the lead to 59-51 with eight minutes left on the clock. Virginia Tech fought back when Lawal hit two consecutive 3-pointers, and Jaden Schutt added another to narrow the gap to 61-60 with 4:38 remaining.
George managed to connect on the Yellow Jackets’ first 3-pointer of the second half, allowing them to regain a two-possession advantage. Following a critical steal and dunk by Ndongo, McCollum sealed the game by hitting a jumper, bringing the lead to six points with just 51 seconds left.
Georgia Tech capitalized on Virginia Tech’s mistakes, scoring 20 points off 17 turnovers made by the Hokies.
Looking ahead, Virginia Tech is set to host Clemson on Saturday, while Georgia Tech will travel to take on Notre Dame next Tuesday.
