Georgia Tech head coach Nell Fortner is approaching the season with a focused mindset, prioritizing each game while keeping an eye on the present rather than the future. The No. 13-ranked Yellow Jackets currently sit among only five undefeated teams in Division I women’s basketball, alongside powerhouse programs like No. 1 UCLA, No. 6 LSU, No. 8 Maryland, and No. 9 Ohio State, with Georgia Tech emerging as a surprising contender this season.
Following a challenging previous season that saw them finish with a 17-16 record, the Yellow Jackets strategically organized a non-conference schedule heavy with home games to cultivate team confidence. This strategy has proven effective, as they boast an impressive 15-0 record so far this season.
“It’s intriguing how our schedule has progressed from the beginning,” Fortner mentioned in a phone interview. “It allowed us to face increasingly tougher opponents, which helped us maintain our confidence without overwhelming us at the start.”
Fortner noted significant improvements from the team after they returned from a Thanksgiving tournament in Hawaii, where they faced South Dakota State and Oregon. In both games, Georgia Tech managed to hold their opponents under 60 points, showcasing their defensive prowess.
“We showcased various defensive strategies against those teams, which was instrumental in solidifying our identity on defense,” Fortner stated.
Emphasizing her defensive philosophy, Fortner has built the team’s foundation on strong defensive performances. Currently, Georgia Tech is limiting opponents to just 56.9 points per game this season, reinforcing their commitment to defense.
“Our commitment is to defend fiercely,” she said. “Having the right schedule afforded us the chance to refine that strength.”
Offensively, the Yellow Jackets have also started to find their rhythm, notably scoring over 100 points in a game for the first time in nearly a decade with a commanding 100-61 victory over Pitt just before the new year. This marked the first time since 2008 that a Georgia Tech team scored 100 points against an ACC opponent.
“We invest a lot of effort into our defensive game, and I believe it’s our hallmark,” Fortner expressed. “Now, we’re pushing the pace and enjoying more offensive freedom.”
Looking ahead, the Yellow Jackets will host Virginia Tech in their next matchup, while a challenging contest against No. 3 Notre Dame looms on January 16.
In the latest NCAA NET rankings, a key metric used by the selection committee for the NCAA Tournament, South Carolina stands at the top, closely followed by Texas.
On another note, the UCLA Bruins continue their impressive run, having won their first 15 games of the season. They have the opportunity to match their best start when they face Purdue on Tuesday; the Bruins last achieved a 16-0 record at the beginning of the 2019-20 season.
