Tech falters for third straight game

Georgia Tech had no answer for Wofford junior Fletcher Magee on Wednesday and suffered its third straight loss.

The crafty guard scored 36 points, including the go-ahead basket with 1:07 left and the game-winner with 1.9 seconds left as Wofford beat the Yellow Jackets 63-60.

He made eight 3-pointers and was 4-for-4 from the line.

Wofford led 60-57 after Storm Murphy made two free throws with 29 seconds left. Georgia Tech tied it when Tadric Jackson made a 3-pointer with 20 seconds remaining.

Wofford called timeout with 16.1 seconds left and worked the ball around until Magee had a semi-open shot, which he swished from the left side.

The Yellow Jackets trailed by as many as five points in the first half, but squared the score at 21-21 on Tadric Jackson’s 3-pointer with 6:50 left.

That was part of a 16-3 run that saw Georgia Tech go ahead 32-24. The Yellow Jackets led 34-29 at halftime.

The Yellow Jackets outscored Wofford 7-2 to open the second half and establish a 10-point lead for the first time with 15:22 left.

Three who mattered

Wofford’s Magee: He made 12 of 22 from the field, including 8 of 14 on 3 pointers. He also had four rebounds and two steals.

Georgia Tech center Ben Lammers: He scored 10 points in the first half and appeared to be in synch. But Wofford did a better job defensively in the second half and Lammers finished with 12 points, seven rebounds and three blocked shots.

Georgia Tech guard Tadric Jackson: The senior scored a season-high 26 points, three short of his career best. He was 11-for-15 from the field, with one 3-pointer.

Turning point

Two plays by Jackson helped turn the game for Wofford. He took a pass on the baseline and slammed it for a basket, but the score was negated by a traveling call. With 1:07 left Jackson drove the lane, where he was met by three Wofford bodies. His shot was stuffed, resulting in a jump ball and Wofford’s possession.

Observations

Wofford’s 3-point prowess: The Terriers lived up to their reputation as a top-notch 3-point shooting club. They made 7 of 17 in the first half and finished 12-for-30 (40 percent). Georgia Tech opponents entered the game shooting 34.6 percent on 3-pointers.

Too many turnovers: The Yellow Jackets committed 16 turnovers, which resulted in 17 points for Wofford. Georgia Tech got only 10 points on six Wofford turnovers.

Worth mentioning

First time for Pastner: The defeat marked the first time that Georgia Tech coach Josh Pastner had ever suffered three consecutive losses.

The starting five: Georgia Tech started the same lineup for the third straight game – Lammers, Jackson, Abdoulaye Gueye, Curtis Haywood II and Jose Alvarado.

Losing the halftime lead: It marked the first time this season that Georgia Tech had lost a game it led at halftime. The Yellow Jackets entered the game 4-0 in that situation.

Wofford’s new arena: The new Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium will be one of the most popular mid-major arenas. It’s bright and clean, with large televisions on each corner of the floor.

What’s next?

Georgia Tech takes an extended break for final exams. The Yellow Jackets play again on Dec. 17 against Florida A&M at McCamish Pavilion.

This story was originally published December 6, 2017 at 9:33 PM with the headline "Tech falters for third straight game."