Two games to go.
Game Summary:
The first half looked like many other games this season. Two players scoring and the rest not helping much. Ben Middlebrooks had the best half he’s had lately, 11 points and 3 rebounds. Dontrez Styles scored 10, but after that, the starting lineup was 0-fer. As is the Wolfpack norm, the Yellow Jackets dominated the rebounds 22-13. And as has been another common theme, the score was tied at 25 with 4:07 remaining in the half. Georgia Tech finished the half with a 16-5 run. Halftime score 41-30, Jackets.
The second half was inevitable. Middlebrooks picked up his 4th foul at the 16:37 mark with the score 46-36. The Wolfpack never seriously threatened after that. To his credit, Coach Keatts tried everybody, the entire roster played but no one could successfully attack the basket, nor could they keep the Yellow Jackets away from the rim. Georgia Tech dominated the points in the paint 48-22, very similar to Syracuse. Final score, Georgia Tech 87 – 62.
Overall Takeaways:
- To acknowledge the obvious, Ndongo was impressive. He is one of the best players in the ACC and will get paid well next year.
- NC State’s inside game continues to degrade. Middlebrooks played only 17 minutes before fouling out, but scored 13 with 6 rebounds. In total, Diouf & BHH played 23 minutes and had 6 rebounds and made only one field goal.
- Georgia Tech scored 21 points off turnovers. That might be the Pack’s worst all season.
- The freshmen played a total of 38 minutes, and looked liked they belonged. Parker is still a little loose with the ball, but made up for it with 4 assists. Their future looks good.
Individual Highlights
- Ben Middlebrooks tied for the scoring lead with an excellent first half. For the game he had 13 points. (5-6, 3-4)
- Dontrez Styles tied for the scoring lead with 13, but it took 12 shots to get there
- Middlebrooks also led the rebounding with 6
- Trey Parker and Michael O’Connell had 4 assists each