Daniel Miller leads Georgia Tech over Virginia Tech on senior day

Mar 4, 2014; Syracuse, NY, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets head coach Brian Gregory and the bench react to a score during the second half of a game against the Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome. Georgia Tech won the game 67-62. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

For the Georgia Tech seniors, Saturday afternoon’s tip against the Virginia Tech Hokies represented their final home game, and with Daniel Miller leading the way, they helped to push the Jackets to a 62-51 victory.

Miller exploded out of the gate with a 10-point, 7-rebound effort in the first half as Tech pushed to a 7-point lead, and from there, it was a cruising victory for the Jackets. In total, Miller finished with 14 points (including 6-for-7 from the field), 9 rebounds, 3 steals, and a block, and with his rim protection serving as the final line of the Tech defense, the senior center helped to hold the Hokies to just under 38% from the field as a team.

Robert Carter, Jr. led the Jackets in scoring with 16 points in 23 minutes off the bench, and Miller wasn’t the only senior to excel, as Trae Golden (14 points, 8 assists) and Kammeon Holsey were significant contributors. As a team, the Jackets assisted on 18 of 24 baskets, using quality ball movement throughout, and their overall field goal percentage of 49% is another encouraging sign moving forward.

Coming off of the massive upset win in Syracuse, there was some worry about Tech falling short in a “trap” spot against a lesser opponent, but the senior leaders wouldn’t let it happen and the Jackets took care of business. Now, the stage is set for Georgia Tech to open the ACC Tournament, and they will do so with a 7:00 pm tip-off against the Boston College Eagles on Wednesday night in Greensboro.