Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets drop ugly decision to Clemson Tigers 45-41

Feb 4, 2014; Clemson, SC, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets center Daniel Miller (5) drives to the basket while being defended by Clemson Tigers center Landry Nnoko (35) during the second half at J.C. Littlejohn Coliseum. Tigers won 45-41. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

“Well, at least Daniel Miller played well”

While the “quote” above isn’t actually attributed to anyone in particular, it was the prevailing sentiment for much of the Georgia Tech fan base after an ugly, 45-41 loss to Clemson on Tuesday night. The aforementioned Miller had one of his best games of the season, shooting 9-for-13 for 18 points, grabbing 8 rebounds, and blocking 2 shots, but unfortunately, he was the lone bright spot for the Jackets.

As a team, Tech converted on just 34.8% of their field goal attempts, and if you were to subtract Miller’s ultra-efficient effort, that number would drop to a woeful 21.2% (7-for-33) from the floor. Playing without starting point guard Trae Golden as a result of a groin injury, it was common knowledge that the Tech offense could struggle here, but this was above and beyond (in a negative way) all expectations.

Marcus Georges-Hunt had the roughest night of all, shooting a dismal 1-for-13 from the floor, and while he did get to the line 9 times in route to being the 2nd-leading scorer for the Jackets, it was a brutal showing. Chris Bolden also struggled to a 2-for-9 night as he desired to pick up Golden’s slack, and without either of their primary (and available) scoring options having solid nights, it was nearly impossible to score.

The always-entertaining “bright side” of this one was the defensive showing from Brian Gregory’s club. It is always nice to see the defense holding a solid Clemson team (in their home building, no less) to under 32% from the floor and 15.4% from 3-point range, and that’s certainly a “win”.

Clemson’s defense entered as one of the best in the country, and with that, there is little shame in falling short in a tough road venue. Still, there is no excuse for this type of offensive ineptitude against any defense, and the absence of Golden was certainly magnified at an inopportune time. As a follow-up, the Jackets will likely have Robert Carter Jr. back in the lineup on Saturday, and frankly, his return can’t come soon enough if only to provide an upgrade offensively. Stay tuned.