Georgia Tech falls short in upset bid against Duke

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets were given little change to emerge with an upset victory in Durham on Wednesday evening, but they battled for 40 minutes. Unfortunately, that valiant effort fell just short in what ended up as a 72-66 defeat at the hands of the Duke Blue Devils.

The Ramblin’ Wreck put together perhaps their most impressive offensive showing of the season, making 8 of their 11 three-point attempts and shooting a respectable 46.4% from the field in the game. Chris Bolden led the team with 16 points, including 4 of 6 from three, and Marcus Georges-Hunt continued his stellar recent play with 14 points and team-highs in rebounds (9) and steals (3).

Sadly, the Jackets could never get over the hump in the second half. Georgia Tech could never claim the lead despite keeping things within seven points for the entirety of the half, and Duke was simply better down the stretch in preserving a win. Presumptive number one pick Jahlil Okafor was largely neutralized by the Tech front line with just 14 points and 8 rebounds, but Duke got enough from Justise Winslow (15 points, 10 rebounds) and Quinn Cook (17 points) to hold on to the win.

If Georgia Tech was not sitting with a 1-9 record in ACC play, this would be a moral victory in Durham, but it is tough to claim that right now. The Jackets are back in action at home on Saturday against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, and they’ll look to erase the bitter taste from a game that looked to be winnable at various points on Wednesday evening. Stay tuned.