In a closely contested NCAA basketball game, Georgia Tech overcame a deficit to tie the game at 37-37 at halftime against the #3 ranked UNC, despite their best player Baye Ndongo being sidelined due to an injury. The game saw multiple lead changes and was characterized by a strong defensive effort from Georgia Tech, as well as a significant number of turnovers by UNC. Key players for Georgia Tech included Nait George, who contributed with points, assists, and defensive actions, and Sacko, who helped extend a Tech run with a three-pointer. As the game progressed, Georgia Tech managed to maintain a narrow lead, with the score at 69-68 in their favor during the final media timeout. Notably, UNC was initially an 8.5-point favorite. Nait George picked up his third foul, affecting the dynamics of the game. Georgia Tech led 61-57 at the third media timeout, and key plays included Claude converting to extend the lead and Sturdivant hitting a big three. The score was 54-52 in favor of Georgia Tech at the second media timeout. Ingram missed a crucial three for UNC, and a reviewed three-pointer call extended Georgia Tech's lead to 72-68. George also hit one of two free throws to contribute to the narrow margin.
Ingram misses a three and George has the ball with under a minute to play and GT up 1.
On review, it is a three, big call. GT leads 72-68 with 3:24 left.
Final media timeout as Kelly couldn't inbound the ball cleanly, GT has one timeout remaining, lead is down to one, 69-68 with 3:48 remaining.
George hits one of two and GT leads by 3, 69-66
Claude converts, GT leads 68-60 with five minutes to play.
George hits both FTs, GT is up 65-59 with 5:49 to play.
Third media timeout, GT leads 61-57 with 7:58 remaining. Regardless of what happens, this has been a helluva effort by the shorthanded Jackets.
Sturdivant with a big three, GT leads by 5, 59-54.
11:56 second half Georgia Tech 54 No. 3 North Carolina 52 Tar Heels 6-17 from the field this half; Nine different Jackets have scored
Georgia Tech leads 54-52 with 11:56 left in the half. Second media timeout.
Nait George picks up his third foul with 15:47 remaining.
15:58 second half No. 3 UNC 45 Tech 42 Nait George up to nine points to go along with three assists - analytics says he has drawn at least six fouls tonight
Georgia Tech held UNC without a field goal for the final 5:34 of the half and the game is tied at 37 thanks to a 12-1 run by the Jackets without their best player Baye Ndongo.
Sacko sinks a three to extend Tech's run to 10-0, GT trails 36-35 with under 40 seconds to play.
Nait George with a steal and dish to Kelly for a three, GT pulls within 4, 36-32. GT trails with 3:07 remaining in the half.
Nait George with a three and dish to Kelly for a three, GT pulls within 4, 36-32.
Gapare with a great defensive play to draw a charge from UNC. GT trails 30-22 with 7:49 remaining in the half at the third media timeout.
UNC with a turnover frenzy keeping GT in the game.
GT trails 23-15 with 10:51 remaining at the second media timeout.
UNC goes on an 11-0 run after Ndongo left the game with an injury, lead GT 19-11, and a timeout is taken by Stoudamire. 13:25 remaining.
Georgia Tech leads 11-10 early over #3 UNC with 15:28 to go. Ndongo was shaken up on the last play.
UNC (17-3, 9-0) is an 8.5-point favorite tonight at Georgia Tech (9-11, 2-7).
Cattoor dunk on a backdoor pass pulls the #Hokiew within 32-26 with 1:19 left in the half.