In an early season of pain for the Yellow Jackets, this one might have hurt the most. Tech led 64-54 with 4:43 remaining in the game when it allowed N.C. State to slide in with a 13-3 run to tie the game and put it into overtime. Then the Wolfpack capitalized on turnovers by Iman Shumpert and Lewis Clinch to outscore Tech 9-4 in overtime and win 76-71.
Tech’s fourth straight ACC loss and third overall was the sloppy, grimy game that has been typical of their season thus far, especially in the first half. The Yellow Jackets shot 34.3 percent in the first 20 minutes, including a stretch in which they missed eight straight field goals. However, they stayed ahead of the Wolfpack because State missed six straight shots at one point. Tech also got a boost from their guards, who went 4-4 from beyond the arc in the first half. Clinch had two of his six 3-pointers (18 points in the game) during that stretch. Shumpert and Lance Storrs each hit a 3-pointer.
The Jackets got out to a 31-25 lead despite getting little output from their front court. Gani Lawal had five points in the first half and Alade Aminu was held scoreless. However, Tech couldn’t break away from N.C. State as Trevor Ferguson went on his own 7-2 run, hitting two 3-pointers and a free throw to cut Tech’s lead to 35-34 at halftime.
N.C. State’s Brandon Costner, who led all scores with 22 points, came out hot in the second half, hitting two 3-pointers and keeping the game tight. With the Wolfpack leading 52-47, Tech exploded for a 17-2 run, giving them a seemingly comfortable 64-54 lead. The Jackets looked like they were going to get that first ACC win of the season along with some much needed mojo. However, Costner scored four points and got an assist to lead the Wolfpack back. Zach Peacock had an opportunity to win the game in regulation but strangely twisted his ankle with three seconds remaining and was fouled. The foul was non-shooting and Clinch threw up an unanswered prayer, sending the game into overtime.
After Lawal got the first shot of the overtime, N.C. State took over. With Tech leading 71-69, Dennis Horner slipped into the lane for a lay-up and the foul to give the Wolfpack the lead. Then Peacock was called for a three-second violation. After that Shumpert lost the ball and fouled Horner, who hit two more free throws. When Clinch lost the ball with eight seconds remaining, Tech’s fate was sealed.
This is going to be a tough one and coach Paul Hewitt will have to put his coaching acumen to the test. The Yellow Jackets did a lot of things in this game they don’t typically do. They shot well from beyond the arc (55.6 percent) and on the free throw line (81.3 percent). They continued to struggle from the field but they showed a little consistency in terms of carrying good play from one half to the next. Shumpert’s 18 points is a positive sign. However, they have no idea how to turn their game up to the next level when they have a late lead. That’s not something that can be taught; you just sort of acquire it. Having some internal leadership helps. Their youth does hurt them, but if this team doesn’t want to get brutalized in the nation’s second best conference it has to grow up quick.
Crosskey can be reached at jcrosskey@scoreatl.com.
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