Georgia Tech Basketball: Five Takeaways as the Yellow Jackets Fall to Clemson for Their Third Consecutive Loss
It’s not supposed to feel like this. Georgia Tech, a team that had shown promise in flashes, entered their latest matchup against Clemson with hope for redemption. But after 40 minutes of basketball, the Yellow Jackets walked off the court defeated, once again, by a team they were supposed to challenge. The final score of 72-60 wasn’t just a loss—it was a testament to the growing frustration and the unanswered questions that lingered after a third consecutive defeat. Here are five takeaways that highlight where Georgia Tech stands as they continue to search for answers.
1. Offensive Struggles Are More Than a Slump
Georgia Tech’s offense has become an unrecognizable shadow of its former self. They were supposed to be a team built on fast breaks and attacking the basket, yet they’ve become stagnant and disjointed. Against Clemson, the Yellow Jackets shot a miserable 37% from the field, with star guard Deivon Smith finding himself in a frustrating battle against Clemson’s defense. Smith was visibly frustrated, unable to orchestrate any sustained offense, while other key players like Miles Kelly and Jalon Moore struggled to find any rhythm.
The issue isn’t just missed shots; it’s the lack of ball movement and offensive flow. The turnovers piled up, and every possession felt like it had to be forced rather than earned. Coach Josh Pastner watched helplessly as his offense was suffocated by Clemson’s suffocating defense, leaving the Yellow Jackets playing catch-up the entire game.
2. Defensive Fragility Exposed
Georgia Tech had always prided itself on its defensive intensity. But against Clemson, the Yellow Jackets’ defense looked porous, vulnerable to breakdowns and mismatches. Clemson’s offense seemed to get anything it wanted—whether it was P.J. Hall dominating in the post or Hunter Tyson knocking down three-pointers with ease. The Yellow Jackets’ defense was slow to react, unable to stifle the Tigers’ shooters or contest shots effectively.
Georgia Tech’s once-vaunted defense seemed out of sync. Clemson exploited their lack of pressure on the perimeter, easily finding open looks. If Georgia Tech can’t regain its defensive identity, this slide could become a full-fledged crisis.
3. Missed Opportunities to Close the Gap
Even with all the struggles, Georgia Tech was in striking distance for much of the game. They chipped away at the lead, showing flashes of brilliance, especially during the second half when they managed to cut Clemson’s lead to single digits. But every time they got close, they would shoot themselves in the foot—whether it was a missed layup, a turnover, or a defensive lapse.
The inability to capitalize on opportunities to close the gap was an alarming trend. This is a team that desperately needs a breakthrough moment, something to ignite their fire. Instead, their mental fragility allowed Clemson to repeatedly stretch their lead back out whenever Georgia Tech threatened to make a run. It’s a pattern that leaves the Yellow Jackets walking off the court defeated and demoralized, their chance for a much-needed win slipping away each time.
4. Leadership Void in Crucial Moments
At times, a team’s leadership shines through when things get tough, when the game is on the line. For Georgia Tech, however, those moments were absent. In critical stretches of the game, there was no player to step up and demand control of the situation. Smith, despite his talent, couldn’t quite handle the weight of the moment. Kelly, known for his scoring, couldn’t find his footing when the team needed him most.
Without a strong leader to rally the troops, Georgia Tech seemed to falter. In moments of adversity, the Yellow Jackets looked lost—lacking the grit to claw back into the game when the stakes were highest.
5. The Pressure is Mounting on Josh Pastner
As the losses continue to pile up, the pressure on head coach Josh Pastner becomes more undeniable. The team’s inconsistency, especially on offense, is raising questions about his ability to get the best out of his roster. His track record at Georgia Tech has been a mixed bag, but this three-game losing streak feels different.
