Georgia Tech grabs ‘upset’ win over Charlotte, 58-55

Trivia question: Did you know that Georgia Tech was actually an underdog (according to the infamous “experts” in Las Vegas) against the Charlotte 49ers on the road on Sunday evening? Well, now you do, but that didn’t stop Brian Gregory and the Jackets from going on the road and getting an extremely valuable win by a final margin of 58-55.

Obviously, whether they were an underdog or not, fans of the Tech basketball program would never expect to lose to Charlotte, but this was a quality opponent, and thus, an impressive road win. It was a huge defensive effort that propelled the Jackets to a win, as they held the home team to just 33.3% shooting from the field (and an identical number from the 3-point line) while also outrebounding the smaller 49ers, 41-32.

It was one of the best games (if not the best game) for guard Trae Golden in a Georgia Tech uniform, as the veteran transfer from Tennessee scored 24 points on 7-for-13 shooting from the field and 4-for-6 from deep. Golden’s scoring punch was much needed on a night where there was a premium placed on points. Center Daniel Miller had the best supporting night with 9 points and 9 rebounds, but it was the Trae Golden show and that was a welcome sight.

There were certainly issues (Tech committed 16 turnovers to Charlotte’s 8, for instance), but getting a quality win when most people were doubting this team is a huge step. ACC play opens on Saturday with another road trip (this time to Maryland), and with some experience in escaping an opposing building with a victory, the Jackets are a significant threat in College Park.