Georgia Tech dropped its third straight game for the second time this season losing an 87-62 contest to the Clemson Tigers. A one-point half time deficit turned into a twenty five point blow out as the Tigers outscored the Jackets 53-29 in the second half. Clemson was led by senior forward Jerai Grant's career-high 20 points. Grant is the son of former Oklahoma star Harvey Grant.
Clemson made an astounding 27 of 39 from the field on its way to its highest shooting percentage for a game in 57 years at 69.2%. The shooting performance was the fourth best in school history and its best ever in ACC league play. Tanner Smith and Demontez Stitt added 16 points a piece for the Tigers. All of Clemson's starters scored in double figures.
Georgia Tech went nearly six minutes without scoring early in the first half but was able to hang tough thanks to Mfon Udofia's eight first half points. Tech trailed 34-33 at the intermission. They however had no answer for Clemson's hot shooting in the second half. Udofia led the way with 14 points while Glen Rice Jr. netted 12 points. Tech's leading scorer Iman Shumpert was held to just 8 points on 2 of 7 shooting. The Jackets connected on 25-62 shots for the game (40%) but hurt themselves with 18 turnovers.
Tonight's game was delayed 24 hours due to the snowstorm that has blanketed the southeast. The loss drops Tech to 7-8 on the season and gives them an 0-2 start in the ACC. They will be back in action on Sunday when they play host to North Carolina.