When we last watched Georgia Tech in a home game, the Jackets held on to defeat Clemson, 66-64, for their third win over a ranked ACC team of the season. It seemed they had started to turn the corner.
Then came Sunday’s reminder that this corner might take a while to turn.
The Jackets had the ball and a one-point lead in the final half-minute at Florida State. Then Zach Peacock missed a free throw, Glen Rice committed a foul at the offensive end, the Seminoles hit two free throws and the Jackets eventually lost, 68-66.
In the final 26 seconds of the game, Tech went 0-for-3 from the floor, 0-for-1 from the free throw line, committed two fouls and had a turnover. Such are the growing pains of a team that has four freshmen (Rice, Derrick Favors, Brian Oliver, Mfon Udofia) and a sophomore (Iman Shumpert) in its regular rotation.
That needs to change tonight against Wake Forest. If the Jackets are to return to the NCAA tournament this season, they can’t afford to have similar meltdowns on their home court. The Jackets are 14-5 overall and 3-3 in the ACC (wins over North Carolina Duke, Clemson; losses to Florida State, Virginia and FSU again). Wake Forest has slightly better records (14-4, 4-2), with a win over North Carolina and a loss to Duke.
I’ll be here, blogging live during the game. But with the calendar about to turn to February, the Jackets need to grow up quick. Let me know your thoughts and I’ll check back at tipoff.
149 comments Add your comment
Yellow Fuzz
January 28th, 2010
6:14 pm
first?
RomeDawg
January 28th, 2010
6:26 pm
With Hewitt as coach, I just don’t think they will be much better than an athletic team with little focus. They are an up and down team and I just don’t know how well coached they are. With the talent they have they should easily be a top 10 team, don’t you think?
GTAnchorage
January 28th, 2010
6:29 pm
I agree RomeDawg, with decent coaching they would be at the top of the ACC this year since it is down. I still think that they have a chance at winning the ACC in the tourney though.
StingerSplash
January 28th, 2010
6:29 pm
Tech caught Clemson at the right time — just as the Tigers’ annual just past midseason slide was commencing.
As for tonight’s game … let’s get ready to underwhelm!
Tech Fan through and through
January 28th, 2010
6:30 pm
I agree RomeDawg, but when the coach only has 1 time out left with 8 minutes to play. Maybe that is where the problem begins.
Jeff Schultz
January 28th, 2010
6:30 pm
Yellow Fuzz — Question answered.
RomeDawg — Until they prove otherwise, you’re right. As far as whether they should easily be a top-10 team, that’s a tough call. On pure talent, maybe yes. But is young, pure talent. Team needs to get better as season goes on. Check back in early March.
GTAnchorage
January 28th, 2010
6:32 pm
The good thing is, with Tech being so loaded, they should be able to compete with just about anyone.
RomeDawg
January 28th, 2010
6:34 pm
As you know, you have to win with young talent in college ball because with most of the good talent you only get a year or two, if your lucky. I think Tech and Kentucky are close in young talent but coaching is separating the two.
RomeDawg
January 28th, 2010
6:37 pm
Being from Rome, I hope Tony Woods see the floor some.
ASHEVILLE DAWG
January 28th, 2010
6:39 pm
Duh IT IS the coaching
Rambling Rick
January 28th, 2010
6:39 pm
I will pray for you Jeff because as much as I love the Jackets I can’t bring myself to be there in person and sit through the missed foul shots , 20 + turnovers and seeing Hewitt use time outs until there is probably one left at 8 minute mark.
Bob Horner had sweet compact swing
January 28th, 2010
6:41 pm
go Demon Deacons…!! what’s a demon deacon anyway..?? Deacons are are held in high regard at the church…Demons are bad…and Tebow would make a decent h-back in the NFL…late 3rd round pick….
TS
January 28th, 2010
6:43 pm
The Jackets are forever turning corners in both directions. They have had the talent to compete in March every season since the Final Four run, and yet … they are terrible at the coachable aspects of the game, like offense, and defense.
George
January 28th, 2010
6:45 pm
Two Norcross Grads will be rumbling in the jungle tonight. This is going to be a great game
Jeff Schultz
January 28th, 2010
6:57 pm
Rambling Rick — As always, thank you for the prayers. If you can throw in something about the lottery in mid-prayer, I would greatly appreciate it.
Jeff Schultz
January 28th, 2010
6:59 pm
RomeDawg — True words. But key is always coach who can get their team to cut down on mistakes as seasons goes on. Tech obviously hasn’t done that the last few years.
Jeff Schultz
January 28th, 2010
7:00 pm
TS — Or do they turn a corner and walk into a wall? (I think I’ve used that before. Probably will again.)
SamInAtlanta
January 28th, 2010
7:01 pm
Let’s see if we can and will pound the ball inside…we have the best 3 big men in the ACC
todd grantham
January 28th, 2010
7:02 pm
Jeff, when you gonna hit a Georgia game?. admittedly they did get blown out last night but fox has that team pretty much playing above its collective head.
todd grantham
January 28th, 2010
7:05 pm
me thinks there’s been a lot of tech coverage in the AJC sports annals lately at the expense of others.
Jeff Schultz
January 28th, 2010
7:07 pm
Grantham — I went to the Georgia-Tennessee game.
Jeff Schultz
January 28th, 2010
7:10 pm
Jackets 2 early fouls
Jeff Schultz
January 28th, 2010
7:10 pm
First defensive adjustment may be against Aminu.
Jeff Schultz
January 28th, 2010
7:13 pm
Wake on 8-0 run.
SamInAtlanta
January 28th, 2010
7:17 pm
same old early foul on Favors
todd grantham
January 28th, 2010
7:18 pm
hmm. guess i missed that huh?
RomeDawg
January 28th, 2010
7:18 pm
Thanks for going to Tenn. game. You may have been good luck for us. Can you please make plans to attend Kentucky game?
SamInAtlanta
January 28th, 2010
7:18 pm
Enter your comments here
todd grantham
January 28th, 2010
7:19 pm
and i only said there seemed to be a lot of tech coverage. i dont accuse you of being baised toward tech. i know you dont like anybody.
Jeff Schultz
January 28th, 2010
7:19 pm
Tech’s playing poor inside defense, getting outworked on the boards.
Jeff Schultz
January 28th, 2010
7:23 pm
Todd — I hope you’re better with your gameplans than you are with your research.
SamInAtlanta
January 28th, 2010
7:25 pm
Favors is playing strong even with the early foul
Jeff Schultz
January 28th, 2010
7:26 pm
SamInAtlanta– Not in the offensive flow yet but yes on the defensive end.
nebraska jacket
January 28th, 2010
7:27 pm
Can you imagine if we would’ve landed Al-Farouq? The kids an absolute stud. Favors, Lawal (with Peacock thrown in there) and Aminu on the front line I like my chance in any game.
Jeff Schultz
January 28th, 2010
7:27 pm
Monster move by Lawal
todd grantham
January 28th, 2010
7:29 pm
my apologies Jeff. i do see where you did the UGA high gear piece. and yes, quite frankly, i am a better game planner than researcher.
Jeff Schultz
January 28th, 2010
7:31 pm
Tech was down 17-10…on a 10-3 run to tie it at 20.
nebraska jacket
January 28th, 2010
7:32 pm
D’Andre contributing on the offensive end is huge for us. Oliver can’t be our only guard hitting shots again.
Flowery Branch Yellow Jacket
January 28th, 2010
7:34 pm
So far this game reminds me a lot of last night’s game between the Tech and Miami women’s teams. I just hope we get the same final results.
Jeff Schultz
January 28th, 2010
7:35 pm
Jackets are shooting 53 percent, Wake 42. … Lawal has 6 .. Favors hasn’t scored yet (0-for-1).
SamInAtlanta
January 28th, 2010
7:37 pm
our run is due to our strong defensive play
todd grantham
January 28th, 2010
7:37 pm
you going to the USC Georgia game saturday?
Bill
January 28th, 2010
7:39 pm
Tech will win or lose this game on the perimeter. Can’t see it because stinkin’Directv blacks out RSN games. (only for ACC),Wake has many players inside that can hurt Tech if Jackets get in foul trouble. Shumpert, Udofia and Oliver will have to score about 45 combo.
SamInAtlanta
January 28th, 2010
7:40 pm
favors is scoreless but must have 2-3 blocks
Ted Striker
January 28th, 2010
7:40 pm
Blogging live from Tech-Wake Forest? Dude, just blog live from your next dental appointment.
Sed Triker, flying in at a sppeed way to faszt for dis computerrrr
SamInAtlanta
January 28th, 2010
7:42 pm
another block from favors…if he could only score
Flowery Branch Yellow Jacket
January 28th, 2010
7:42 pm
I’m just wondering … aren’t we past due for a time-out?
Jeff Schultz
January 28th, 2010
7:43 pm
Jackets’ defense definitely has picked up … and that was a WEAK offensive foul call on Udofia.
Jeff Schultz
January 28th, 2010
7:44 pm
SamInAtlanta– Favors has been credited with four blocks (unofficially).
todd grantham
January 28th, 2010
7:44 pm
Jeff, did the dental work take?
nebraska jacket
January 28th, 2010
7:44 pm
Well so far a success, we’re winning and my eyes aren’t bleeding that bad yet.
Jeff Schultz
January 28th, 2010
7:45 pm
Ted — blogging from my dentist. She’d like that? My dentist is Hispanic/Jewish, and she’s hilarious. Not making that up.
Jeff Schultz
January 28th, 2010
7:45 pm
Favors finally on the board
Jeff Schultz
January 28th, 2010
7:47 pm
Derrick Favors: “Note to self: Practice free throws.”
todd grantham
January 28th, 2010
7:47 pm
Jeff, speaking of tennessee, is wayne chisholm as good as advertised?
SamInAtlanta
January 28th, 2010
7:47 pm
tech is looking like a top 10 team at the moment….can they keep it up
Jeff Schultz
January 28th, 2010
7:47 pm
Todd–Thanks for athking — I mean, asking. It’s a temp crown. Have to go back for the real thing in 2 weeks.
BCWRECK
January 28th, 2010
7:47 pm
Wake is Huge and Agile … but they can’t shoot. No wonder they are not ranked.
SamInAtlanta
January 28th, 2010
7:49 pm
is favors waking up
Irwin M. "Fletch" Fletcher
January 28th, 2010
7:50 pm
I can’t believe Hewitt hasn’t called a time out yet!!!
TechMD
January 28th, 2010
7:50 pm
Playing better down low at both ends compared to the start.
todd grantham
January 28th, 2010
7:50 pm
when you go back i hope the count will be in a better mood after the final crown is done.
Irwin M. "Fletch" Fletcher
January 28th, 2010
7:52 pm
Temp crown here myself Jeff, watch the chocolate that stuff will pull right off! Looks like some empty seats, wish I was there but on call.
Jeff Schultz
January 28th, 2010
7:52 pm
Hah! As long as the fangs remain sharp, The Count will be fine.
Gani's Lawal
January 28th, 2010
7:53 pm
Jeff- who would you rather have on your team: Derrick Favors or Gani Lawal?
TechMD
January 28th, 2010
7:53 pm
Nice pass to Peacock and finish!
Jeff Schultz
January 28th, 2010
7:54 pm
Today? Probably Lawal. In a month, good question.
Bill
January 28th, 2010
7:54 pm
Wow…Paul only has used the one timeout….good sign.
tech sux
January 28th, 2010
7:55 pm
Simply Tech Sucks!!
LOSERS!!!!!
UGA 73 – gt 66!!!!!!!!!!!!
HAHAHHAAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
WE RUN THIS STATE!!!!!!!!
Bill
January 28th, 2010
7:56 pm
Tech is -8 on boards. That is why they are only up 6 shooting over 50 %. This team plays strong defense…reminds you somewhat of McHenry, Ish years.
SamInAtlanta
January 28th, 2010
7:56 pm
great defensive effort, if only we could shoot free throws and get a few more rebounds
Technophobia
January 28th, 2010
7:57 pm
Cautiously optimistic. Playin better down low compared to the start of the game for sure.
Jeff Schultz
January 28th, 2010
7:58 pm
After poor start, Tech played great defense and it fed into the offense. Solid half. Jackets up 35-29. … Jackets shooting 53.8 percent (14-26), Wake Forest only 33.3 (12-36) … Jackets have six blocks, led by Favors’ 4. … Balanced scoring: Tech has 3 players with 6 points and 3 with 5. …Aminu leads both teams with 10.
Gani's Lawal
January 28th, 2010
8:03 pm
Who would you want if you were an NBA GM?
Ted Striker
January 28th, 2010
8:07 pm
Gani’s Lawal — I’d take Megan Fox, Beyonce Knowles and the redhead who plays disgraced FBI agent Renee Walker on ‘24′
And probably a few interns.
SamInAtlanta
January 28th, 2010
8:09 pm
i would rather have the blond on 24
Tom
January 28th, 2010
8:09 pm
10 more shots than us in the first half. That is why it’s so close. Usually when there is that large a disparity in shooting %, the team with the higher # is up by double digits.
Flowery Branch Yellow Jacket
January 28th, 2010
8:09 pm
Jeff, is it my imagination, or did Tech actually have time-outs leftover at the end of the first half? Is it possible for us to carry them forward to the second half… or maybe even to the next game?!
Eric
January 28th, 2010
8:09 pm
Watch the first 5 minutes of the 2nd half. Wake will pull ahead and win because they are the better coached team. Once they start hitting more shots, and they will, wake pulls away as gt falters.
todd grantham
January 28th, 2010
8:10 pm
Jeff, do you remember a major leaguer from years past: Juan Eichleburger? i wonder if he is married to your dentist?
SamInAtlanta
January 28th, 2010
8:11 pm
you guys are giving me a toothache
Baba O'Riley
January 28th, 2010
8:12 pm
Fox has them playing above their heads and they’re 9-9??? Whaere are their heads?
todd grantham
January 28th, 2010
8:12 pm
I AM astute. i got the athking
Baba O'Riley
January 28th, 2010
8:13 pm
Eichelberger pitched for San Diego
Matt
January 28th, 2010
8:14 pm
This team has way too many away from the ball off fouls.
todd grantham
January 28th, 2010
8:16 pm
Jeff, wayne chisholm?
Jeff Schultz
January 28th, 2010
8:16 pm
Flowery Branch — NOT your imagination. Obviously Paul liked what he saw.
Jeff Schultz
January 28th, 2010
8:17 pm
Gani’s Lawal — I’ve got to go with Favors on that for potential upside.
SamInAtlanta
January 28th, 2010
8:17 pm
there goes wakes best defensive player
Jeff Schultz
January 28th, 2010
8:18 pm
Ted — Good call on “Renee.”
Baba O'Riley
January 28th, 2010
8:18 pm
Lawal must learn to play facing the basket to be successful at the next level.
Jeff Schultz
January 28th, 2010
8:19 pm
Todd — I do remember him … and he isn’t.
Jeff Schultz
January 28th, 2010
8:22 pm
Todd — didn’t play close enough attention to Chism. I seem to remember Hopson having a good game though.
Jeff Schultz
January 28th, 2010
8:23 pm
Wow, Baba — That’s a very scout-ish thing to say.
Baba O'Riley
January 28th, 2010
8:26 pm
He’s 6-9. 6-9 players in “the association” can handle the ball. He would be more highly “cherished” if he could.
Jeff Schultz
January 28th, 2010
8:29 pm
Oliver hits a 3 –biggest lead of the game at 13 pts: 50-37.
Baba O'Riley
January 28th, 2010
8:30 pm
We’ve been waiting for a shooter like Oliver since Marvin Lewis left.
SamInAtlanta
January 28th, 2010
8:30 pm
we have out rebounded wake 12-2 this half
Baba O'Riley
January 28th, 2010
8:30 pm
It’s amazing how much better we play when Hewitt doesn’t call timeouts.
nebraska jacket
January 28th, 2010
8:32 pm
For all the hype Favors has gotten… The best freshman on the floor is Brian Oliver
Barney
January 28th, 2010
8:32 pm
This GT team is looking pretty good. They’ll make the NCAA Tournament for sure. The Yellow Jackets can beat any team in the country, but they need to be more consistent!
SamInAtlanta
January 28th, 2010
8:35 pm
i don’t agree, favors is having a good all around game so far
Baba O'Riley
January 28th, 2010
8:37 pm
I wish Z-cock had another year here.
Jeff Schultz
January 28th, 2010
8:38 pm
Jackets blowing it out now. Defense has been outstanding. Lead up to 54-37. Wake is shooting 15-for-47 (31.9 percent) and has eight blocks (five by Favors).
Technophobia
January 28th, 2010
8:39 pm
Baba, I’ve been saying that about the three point shooter for years now. Just the threat of the three really opens things up for the guys underneath.
Technophobia
January 28th, 2010
8:40 pm
Is “the curse of Bradley” being broken?
Bill
January 28th, 2010
8:41 pm
16 point lead….Tech has to stay focused. Has some some lack of maturity this year a few times with big leads.
Jeff Schultz
January 28th, 2010
8:41 pm
Baba — I think actually when the team plays well, Hewitt doesn’t call timeouts. That’s usually the way it works.
Technophobia
January 28th, 2010
8:42 pm
Whoa, nice move by Lawal.
Baba O'Riley
January 28th, 2010
8:43 pm
Jeff, he calls too many TO’s to set up defense after made baskets. Fruitless timeouts.
todd grantham
January 28th, 2010
8:44 pm
Jeff, i watched a piece of the Perl show and he acted like chism was the best thing since sliced bread. sounds like hype now.
todd grantham
January 28th, 2010
8:45 pm
you remember juan eichlegburger?
Bill
January 28th, 2010
8:45 pm
Maybe Miller might have to get a few minutes now with Iman has 4 fouls.
bhamwreck
January 28th, 2010
8:46 pm
This team should be top 5 in 4 weeks. They have all the tools. Udofia needs to get a little more under control and Favors needs to gain a bit of confidence.
Baba O'Riley
January 28th, 2010
8:46 pm
What else would he use for a bank shot?
SamInAtlanta
January 28th, 2010
8:47 pm
tech’s best all around game by far!!
Technophobia
January 28th, 2010
8:47 pm
OMG, Bell actually used the glass for a bank shot. You hardly ever see anyone do that anymore even though it’s a higher percentage shot from the wing.
GT3O
January 28th, 2010
8:48 pm
GT shooting ~69% from the line tonight. Much better than last at FSU.
Technophobia
January 28th, 2010
8:49 pm
Duke will be a BIG test. They are starting to kick some butt again.
todd grantham
January 28th, 2010
8:50 pm
Jeff, sorry on juan. missed your earlier response. but dont let that shake your confidence in me as a coach. best, todd
ThreeRickey
January 28th, 2010
8:51 pm
Where is Paul Hewitt during all this Jeff?
Baba O'Riley
January 28th, 2010
8:51 pm
Was walking behing a guy wearing a Tech shirt down here in West Palm Beach. I called out “What’s the good word?” without even turning around he knew the answer.
bhamwreck
January 28th, 2010
8:53 pm
Usually when you hesitate as long as Oliver did on that 3, you miss it.
todd grantham
January 28th, 2010
8:54 pm
Jeff, you will let us know when you post the game column?
Flowery Branch Yellow Jacket
January 28th, 2010
8:56 pm
Why didn’t the shot clock reset on the change of possession?
Technophobia
January 28th, 2010
8:57 pm
bhamwreck, part of the hesitation was squaring up to the basket which always helps, otherwise I agree.
Baba O'Riley
January 28th, 2010
9:00 pm
Good time for a technical.
bhamwreck
January 28th, 2010
9:01 pm
thats a nasty looking free throw stroke. Bill Cartwright anyone?
Baba O'Riley
January 28th, 2010
9:03 pm
Moe Miller warming up for the Kentucky State game.
Technophobia
January 28th, 2010
9:04 pm
Good game. Tech BB is starting to be fun again. Go Jackets! Sting em!
StingerSplash
January 28th, 2010
9:06 pm
A huge win. Not a statement game, but a huge win nonetheless. No other way to put it.
Technophobia
January 28th, 2010
9:08 pm
Held Wake to 20 points below their average. Gotta love the D.
Bill
January 28th, 2010
9:09 pm
Give Bradley credit….said Tech would beat Wake easily. Never thought this watching Wake play last few weeks. Best game of year for Tech. Defense spectacular. Offense sharp…and they hit Ft’s.
nebraska jacket
January 28th, 2010
9:11 pm
Any time you beat a quality by 20+ points you know you’ve got potential to do something special. Keep up the good work jackets
Technophobia
January 28th, 2010
9:14 pm
Bill, I agree. Bradley was the first to pick Tech to go far in 2004. I guess those Kentucky boys know their B-ball.
DMWC
January 28th, 2010
9:19 pm
A lot of quality wins getting racked up on the resume: Siena, USC, Charlotte, Carolina, Clemson, Duke, Wake. Seven wins against teams in or around the RPI top 50.
Time to get on board with this team.
Bill
January 28th, 2010
9:25 pm
Please temper your joy….Tech next plays at Duke next week. Today was must win. Tech will be rested, but it’s Durham. Good news is that Tech should win two after Duke ( vs NC ST, at Miami ) before returning to play at Wake. Like how ACC schedules return matches within a month like they used to before the expansion of FSU. But Tech should be flying next Thursday at Duke. Should be fun.
StingerSplash
January 28th, 2010
9:28 pm
And the Thrashers are beating the Flyers in Philly.
will wonders never cease.
Wreckmanaic
January 28th, 2010
9:30 pm
What happened to the UGA crowd ? Did they have to go to bed ? Or are they out collecting money to spring Chris Terry out of jail ? Surely, the dawgs jail bond fund is big enough to handle this little problem.
TXDawg
January 28th, 2010
9:32 pm
It was good to see D-Bell doing work tonight. Good win for the B-Ballin Bees.
Not Disappointed!
January 28th, 2010
9:33 pm
We need this win! Ramlbin Wreck!
Jackets Rock
January 28th, 2010
9:33 pm
Finally put a team away! Wake was dismal from the line, thank goodness we weren’t!!
Really happy for D-Bell. Love Mfon but that was a frosh getting schooled by a senior out there. HUGE WIN!
TXDawg
January 28th, 2010
9:35 pm
Wreckmanaic (learn how to spell your name before you post negative comments on a blog), Chris Terry is over 10 years removed from UGA. I fail to see the relevance.
old Tech fan in NC
January 28th, 2010
9:41 pm
Would have been happy to be in AMC tonight…been years.
Tech held Smith in check for a while but he did get some points later….he is fun to watch when Wake plays someone other that Tech…
Tech won in CH…perhaps (if they play as they did tonight) they can in CI also.
Dreman1731
January 28th, 2010
9:50 pm
Way to go Tech!!!
@ nebraska jacket
January 28th, 2010
9:54 pm
Tech has a good problem….several freshmen playing well. BOliver can/did shoot well and Favors can/did block/rebound well without being a ball hog.
A double ++ Tech got the ball to Favors on an inbound for a score….loved it!
Cheese
January 28th, 2010
11:23 pm
In recent years the defense has been a bit lazy, this year they are in the face of opponents from the tip. I really don’t think Hewitt is a bad coach, the talent he’s gotten just hasn’t filled all the holes to form a complete team, until this year. We have a great frontcourt (maybe the best in the nation) and a young backcourt that is coming together (and can knock down some 3’s) combined with in your face d makes it so they are in every game, They are now 4-3 I think they finish in the ACC at 11-5 tied for first place
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January 29th, 2010
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