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Georgia Tech, after dropping consecutive video games within the Fort Myers (Fla.) Tip-Off, returns residence to face North Alabama on Saturday in an effort to return to its profitable methods.
The Yellow Jackets gained three straight to open the season earlier than heading to the Sunshine State for his or her Thanksgiving occasion. Sturdy begins are a rarity for Georgia Tech underneath Josh Pastner, and the crew didn’t notch its first undefeated begin by way of 4 video games since 2008-09.
In losses to Utah, 68-64, and Marquette, 84-60, the Yellow Jackets didn’t execute their protection effectively. Georgia Tech discovered itself dealing with double-digit deficits within the first half of every recreation.
Probably the most evident lack of defensive manufacturing got here towards Marquette. The Golden Eagles shot 47.5 % from the sector and made 9 3-pointers.
“We didn’t get stops,” Pastner mentioned. “Our protection wasn’t acting at a excessive stage, so we weren’t in a position to get stops and run in transition. We try to play quicker, get extra possessions and play extra up-tempo. We couldn’t get stops, and that’s not who we’re.”
Georgia Tech did discover a silver lining within the effort of Ja’von Franklin. He scored 17 factors and 14 rebounds towards Marquette, his second double-double in a three-game span.
Earlier than leaving Atlanta, Georgia Tech did flip in some robust defensive performances, holding Georgia State to 57 factors and Northern Illinois to 50. Now, the Yellow Jackets hope a return residence means a rise in manufacturing.
“We’re a very good defensive crew from each place,” Georgia Tech guard Deivon Smith mentioned. “We’re on a string and every man helps one another. Guys are switching and we’re speaking so much. All people is on one accord, and everyone seems to be working onerous on the defensive finish.”
North Alabama and Georgia Tech will meet for the primary time in program historical past.
The Lions (4-2) are set to play their third recreation of the week, having break up a pair in Santa Barbara, Calif. North Alabama earned a surprising, 75-74 win over Hampton on Tuesday when Jacari Lane accomplished two three-point performs within the last 11 seconds.
A blocked shot by Daniel Braster earlier than the buzzer sealed the victory.
“We knew that Hampton was a crew that was not going to go away,” Lions coach Tony Pujol mentioned. “We performed a little bit nervous at first however settled in and commenced to play protection rather well. We have been in a position to get stops after we wanted to down the stretch.”
Daniel Ortiz scored 23 factors within the win, and Lane added 15.
The following day, North Alabama fell 89-71 to UC Santa Barbara. Damian Forrest topped the Lions with 15 factors, whereas Ortiz had 13 and KJ Johnson and Lane contributed 10 apiece.
Ortiz is the crew’s main scorer at 18 factors per recreation, whereas Forrest provides 10.7 factors and 6.7 rebounds per recreation.
–Area Stage Media
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