ATLANTA – In a disappointing conclusion to their season, Georgia Tech’s men’s basketball team faced an 81-64 defeat against Jacksonville State in the opening round of the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. This game marked their first postseason appearance since 2021, but the Yellow Jackets’ hopes were dashed early as they struggled to find their rhythm.
The loss leaves Georgia Tech with an overall record of 17-17 and a balanced 10-10 in Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) play, a reflection of a season where they showed promise, especially in the latter half, winning 8 of their last 12 games prior to the tournament.
From the tip-off, it was clear that Georgia Tech was in for a battle. The Yellow Jackets fell behind quickly, trailing by seven points less than five minutes into the game. Their struggles were evident, as they ended the night with a shooting percentage of just 35.3% (22-of-62). In contrast, Jacksonville State thrived, making an impressive 51.7% of its shots (31-of-60), including a remarkable 50% from beyond the arc (15-of-30).
Jacksonville State’s Jaron Pierre Jr. was the standout performer, scoring a game-high 30 points, complemented by five rebounds, seven assists, and three steals. His performance was instrumental in securing the Gamecocks' first-ever victory in NIT history. Marcellus Brigham Jr. and Jao Ituka also contributed significantly, scoring 16 and 14 points, respectively.
For Georgia Tech, Duncan Powell and senior guard Lance Terry both chipped in with 15 points. It was a bittersweet moment for Terry, as this game represented his final outing in a Yellow Jackets uniform. The senior ended his collegiate career with 1,343 points and 204 three-point field goals over his 115-game tenure. In addition, Naithan George added another 14 points, proving instrumental despite the team’s overall struggles.
The Yellow Jackets’ inability to maintain offensive momentum in the first half contributed to their downfall. By halftime, Georgia Tech was already down 45-33, having made only two field goals in the opening five minutes of play. This slow start was just part of a trend for the team, which found itself playing catch-up throughout the contest.
Even a brief surge in the first half, where guard Jaeden Mustaf scored five consecutive points, only trimmed the deficit to 25-23, proving how difficult it was for Tech to consistently score against Jacksonville State’s defense. The Gamecocks expanded their lead to as much as 14 points before halftime, highlighting Tech’s struggle to convert inside, with just two early points in the paint in the first nine minutes.
As the second half commenced, Georgia Tech attempted to rally, but their shooting woes continued. Although they held an impressive assist ratio with 19 assists on 22 made field goals, the shooting challenges diminished their chances of a comeback.
Head coach Damon Stoudamire, now in his second year at the helm, has plenty to work on as he looks toward next season and beyond. Postgame, he reflected on the game and the season, emphasizing the importance of learning from failures and building toward future success.
In the aftermath of this loss, the focus shifts to Georgia Tech’s efforts to rebuild and strengthen their program. The university’s initiative, Full Steam Ahead, aims to boost athletic excellence through a $500 million fundraising campaign to revitalize facilities, including Bobby Dodd Stadium and the Zelnak Basketball Center, signaling a commitment to future success.
In summary, while the finality of this NIT contest stings for Georgia Tech, it is also a moment to regroup, refocus, and aim for greater heights in the upcoming seasons. For now, the Yellow Jackets will embark on a path of rebuilding, inspired by their landmark moments from a challenging yet promising season.
