Gut-wrenching close losses have been the norm for Tech (10-12, 1-8 ACC) this season and the trend continued for the hard-luck Jackets as both Lewis Clinch and Iman Shumpert missed potential game-winning shots in the closing moments of a 57-56 loss to Maryland. The loss was Tech’s fifth in the ACC by less than five points.
While their play has improved as of late, the Jackets settled into some of the bad habits that have plagued them throughout the season. Tech went eight minutes without a basket during the first half and allowed Maryland, which had offensive struggles of its own, to go up 26-17. However, the Jackets stormed back with a 13-5 run to end the half thanks to thunderous dunks by Alade Aminu, a stunning alley-oop dunk by Shumpert and two 3-pointers by Lance Storrs.
The second half was a frenetic battle between the two teams as the Jackets were able to get the ball into Gani Lawal. Lawal, who had 14 points and 10 rebounds in Tech’s first game against the Terrapins, became the focus of Maryland’s defense. The sophomore forward had six points in a five-minute segment of the second half, but only had eight points for the game. They also got a big contribution from Zachery Peacock (11 points), who scored eight points after being called for a flagrant foul while preventing Greivis Vasquez from getting to basket. However Peacock’s effort and Shumpert’s 13 points wasn’t enough to overcome Tech’s 24 turnovers. It also wasn’t enough to overcome Vasquez, who scored 19 points in the game, including 12 of Maryland’s last 18 points. Eric Hayes chipped in with 15 points. However, when the front end of a one-and-one rimmed out at the end of the game, the door was open for another thrilling victory at home for Tech. However, tight defense caused the Jackets to rim out two highly contested shots and led to their eighth ACC loss in nine games.
Paul Hewitt’s boys now hit the road for a game against Virginia Tech on Wednesday. The close losses are a testament to the Jackets’ ability to hang against a quality ACC foe. Unfortunately, they are also an indictment of Tech’s ability to do the little things it takes to win games late.
Crosskey can be reached at jcrosskey@scoreatl.com.
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