THE FLATS – Two back-breaking scoring runs proved to be the difference-maker as Georgia Tech men’s basketball fell 86-43 to Duke on Saturday afternoon at McCamish Pavilion.
After a tight battle early, the Yellow Jackets (8-13, 1-10 ACC) trailed by just seven before the Blue Devils (15-6, 6-4 ACC) hit a 13-2 run to push out to a 43- 25 halftime advantage.
Hot-shooting Duke then started the second half on a 17-3 run to push its lead to 37 and seal its win.
For the game, Tech was unable to cool Duke’s offense as they shot 55.7 percent and nearly 40 percent from downtown, compared to the Jackets’ 30.1 percent overall and 22.7 percent from three.
Beyond the shooting, Duke also won the points-off-turnovers battle 15-1, despite the turnovers being largely even (11-7, GT). Tech was also held to just six free-throw attempts, compared to Duke’s 15.
Individually, Tech was led by Tristan Maxwell, who finished with 10 points on 4-of-9 shooting. Rodney Howard also recorded nine points and six rebounds.
Duke was led by Kyle Filipowski, who finished with 18 points.
With six of its last nine ACC games on the road, Georgia Tech travels to take on Louisville and NC State on Feb. 1 and 4, respectively. Tipoff for Louisville is set for 7 pm and will be broadcast on the ACC’s Regional Sports Networks.
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