Georgia Tech Topples Elon 64-41

Georgia Tech beat previously undefeated Elon on Monday night 64-41. The Jackets were able to overcome their shooting deficiencies and the absence of starting point guard Jose Alvarado by playing elite defense and holding the Phoenix to just 21.6% from the field.

This game was not one for the faint of heart, as both teams struggled mightily from the field, especially in the first half, where a combined 38 points were scored. Tech was able to get some momentum going into halftime from an excellent defensive play from Khalid Moore. His steal and slam in the final minute gave Georgia Tech a 25-13 lead that they eventually took into halftime.

Tech’s offense was much better in the second half, scoring 39. Michael Devoe led the way for the Jackets with 22 points on 7 for 11 from the field. Banks was the only other Jacket in double figures with 11, with most of his points coming from the charity stripe.

The Good

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• Michael Devoe continues to show he’s taken a big step forward in his sophomore season. As the go-to scoring threat so far for the Jackets, hes averaging 22 points on 61% shooting and 75% from 3 through 2 games.
• James Banks was an absolute beast in the paint on defense. He posted a season high 6 blocks, giving him 11 on the season. Also, there were numerous times against Elon that Banks altered the shot without even touching it.
• Khalid Moore continues to show he can be an elite defensive player. The steal and dunk at the end of the first half was a huge jolt for the Jackets. Moore finished with 3 steals on the game.
• Asanti Price found other ways to contribute other than scoring. Price chipped in a game leading 10 boards and recorded 2 blocks/steals.
• Excellent defense. The Jackets held Elon to 21.6% from the field (16/74) and 10% from 3 (3/30). Defense has been Josh Pastner’s calling card, and it certainly showed tonight.
• This one is going to sound weird, but Bubba Parham scoring could be huge for the Jackets. Bubba drained a 26-foot 3-pointer late in the shot clock, which could give him the confidence to get going. Once Bubba adjusts to the offense and rounds into form, Georgia Tech’s offense will level-up and flow smoothly.

The Bad

• Turnovers still seem to be a problem for the Jackets. Coughing the ball up 17 times against Elon at home is certainly not ideal and is something that needs to be a focus in the coming practices.
• 3-point shooting was a struggle again tonight. For the second straight game, Georgia Tech failed shoot better than 30% from 3. Tech shot 7 for 24 from 3 against Elon.
• Tech was able to get to the line at a high clip, but failed to make the freebies at a high clip. The Jackets shot 63% on 17 for 27 from the free throw line.

All in all, there’s a lot to clean up despite a 23 point victory. That’s a good sign for Josh Pastner. Tech will have ample time to get things corrected before they square off against uga in the Stegeman Coliseum on Wednesday 11/20.