This was the first top 25 win for the Jackets this season.
In a thrilling Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) matchup on Saturday, February 1, 2025, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets delivered a stunning performance, defeating the No. 21 Louisville Cardinals 77-70 at McCamish Pavilion in Atlanta. This victory not only snapped Louisville’s impressive 10-game winning streak but also marked Georgia Tech’s first triumph over a ranked opponent this season.
Game Highlights
The Yellow Jackets showcased resilience and determination throughout the game. Senior guard Lance Terry led the charge with a game-high 23 points, demonstrating exceptional accuracy from the field. Sophomore guard Naithan George contributed significantly with 15 points and a career-high nine assists, orchestrating the offense with precision. Freshman forward Baye Ndongo made his presence felt in the paint, recording a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Additional support came from junior guard Javian McCollum and sophomore forward Duncan Powell, who added 12 and 11 points respectively.
Louisville’s effort was spearheaded by junior guard Terrence Edwards Jr., who scored 22 points. Junior guard Chucky Hepburn added 17 points, while senior forward J’Vonne Hadley contributed 16 points. Despite their commendable performances, the Cardinals couldn’t maintain their early momentum.
A Tale of Two Halves
The game commenced with both teams exchanging leads. Louisville seized control midway through the first half, embarking on a scoring run that extended their lead to 31-18 with 7:39 remaining. Georgia Tech faced a six-minute scoring drought during this period. However, the Yellow Jackets regrouped, with Terry scoring four consecutive points, followed by a layup from Ndongo, reducing the deficit to 31-25. The first half concluded with Louisville leading 38-27.
The second half witnessed a rejuvenated Georgia Tech team. They methodically chipped away at Louisville’s lead, with Terry’s three-pointer and Powell’s layup narrowing the gap to 43-36. A pivotal 10-0 run by the Yellow Jackets, highlighted by another Terry three-pointer, tied the game at 49 with 12:49 remaining. This surge shifted the momentum in favor of Georgia Tech.
Seizing Control
Following a brief exchange of leads, Georgia Tech embarked on a decisive 9-0 run, establishing a 60-52 advantage with 8:18 left on the clock. Louisville attempted a comeback, closing the gap to 63-62. However, Terry’s timely three-pointer extended the Yellow Jackets’ lead to 66-62. In the final moments, Powell’s clutch free throws secured the victory for Georgia Tech.
Post-Game Reflections
Georgia Tech’s head coach lauded his team’s resilience and composure, stating, “Our guys showed tremendous heart tonight. They never wavered, even when we were down. This win is a testament to their hard work and belief in each other.”
Lance Terry, reflecting on his standout performance, commented, “I just wanted to be aggressive and help my team in any way I could. We knew we had to bring our best against a team like Louisville, and I’m proud of how we responded.”
Louisville’s head coach acknowledged the challenge posed by Georgia Tech, saying, “Credit to Georgia Tech. They played with great energy and executed well, especially in the second half. We’ll learn from this and come back stronger.”
Looking Ahead
This victory improves Georgia Tech’s season record to 10-12 overall and 4-7 in ACC play. The Yellow Jackets will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next conference matchup.
On the other hand, Louisville, now 16-6 overall and 9-2 in the ACC, will aim to regroup and address the issues that led to this defeat as they continue their pursuit of conference supremacy.
Historical Context
This game adds another chapter to the storied rivalry between Georgia Tech and Louisville. In their previous encounter on February 10, 2024, Louisville emerged victorious with a 79-67 win. However, Georgia Tech has had its moments of glory, notably upsetting then No. 5 Louisville with a 64-58 victory on February 12, 2020.
The latest victory not only serves as a confidence booster for the Yellow Jackets but also shakes up the ACC standings, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of college basketball.
Conclusion
Georgia Tech’s 77-70 victory over Louisville is a testament to the team’s resilience, strategic adjustments, and individual performances. As the season progresses, both teams will look to learn from this game, with Georgia Tech aiming to capitalize on this momentum and Louisville seeking to rebound and reinforce their position in the ACC.
