Iman Shumpert recorded a triple double while helping lead the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets to a 72-57 win over the Virginia Tech Hokies. Georgia Tech outscored Virginia Tech 36-18 in the second half overcoming a three point halftime deficit in the process. The Yellow Jackets remain undefeated at home in conference play winning their third straight ACC game. Georgia Tech finished the game on a 10-0 run giving themselves a cushion after grinding its way through most of the first half.
Georgia Tech's defense allowed the Hokies to shoot 52% from the floor in that first half. Georgia Tech's defense would improve profoundly in the second half as Virginia Tech would finish the game hitting on only 39% of it shots. The Yellow Jackets also did a great job forcing turnovers as Virginia Tech racked up 18 in the loss. Georgia Tech's defense played a big part in turning the Hokies offense stagnant in the second half and clamped down on leading scorer Malcolm Delaney holding him to just eight points on just 3-11 shooting.
For the Yellow Jackets, Iman Shumpert scored 22 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and dished out 11 assists for the first triple double since 1989 when Kenny Anderson recorded one against Pittsburgh. Shumpert added seven steals defensively and did an outstanding job on Delaney. Brian Oliver came off the bench to score a game high 28 points for the Yellow Jackets connecting on 11-18 shots from the field including four 3-point shots.
Tonight's win evens the Yellow Jackets ACC record at 3-3 and moves them into a tie with Clemson and Virginia Tech for 5th place in the conference. Three of Tech's next four games are at home beginning with Saturday's match-up with Maryland.
For more on this game check out From the Rumble Seat.