Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets fall at home to Clemson Tigers, 63-55

Feb 22, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Clemson Tigers guard Damarcus Harrison (21) and forward Jaron Blossomgame (5) celebrate an and-1 in the second half against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Hank McCamish Pavilion. Clemson won 63-55. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Tuesday night’s home loss to the Duke Blue Devils left a sour taste in every Georgia Tech fan’s mouth, but despite some early optimism on Saturday afternoon, the team dropped their second straight decision at the hands of Clemson by a final score of 63-55.

After a stellar first half on both ends that saw Tech leading 29-23, the Jackets ran into a brick wall after halftime, and to be frank, it was mostly self-created. Brian Gregory’s club committed the lion’s share of their 15 turnovers after the break, allowing Clemson to capitalize on easy opportunities, and a result, the visiting Tigers were able score 40 points in the final 20 minutes in route to the 8-point win.

Trae Golden returned to the starting lineup for the Jackets in this one, and he scored a team-high 17 points (6-13 FG, 4-9 from three) despite committing a team-high 5 turnovers. Big man Daniel Miller was probably the best (and most efficient) player on the floor for Tech in this game, scoring 14 points and grabbing 8 rebounds, and he was flanked by another solid effort from Marcus Georges-Hunt (13 points, 4 rebounds).

Tech’s defense was reasonably solid on an overall basis, only allowing 46% from the floor and 19% from downtown, but the big-time spurts were enough to send the Jackets to their 10th loss in ACC play. The schedule doesn’t get any easier from here as the Jackets will travel to South Bend to take on Notre Dame on Wednesday night. Saturday’s loss brought Tech’s record under .500 for the first time this season, and they’ll be looking to even things back up in a difficult spot.