In a surprising upset, Georgia Tech’s men’s basketball team secured a thrilling victory against No. 3 North Carolina, with a final score of 74-73. The game took place on Tuesday at Georgia Tech’s home court, and the Yellow Jackets managed to secure the win with a last-second basket by freshman Naithan George and a crucial defensive stop.
Entering the week as the only Big Six program undefeated in conference play, North Carolina (17-4, 9-1) faced unexpected challenges from Georgia Tech (10-11, 3-7 ACC), a team that had struggled recently, losing eight of its last nine games before this matchup. Notably, Georgia Tech had previously defeated another top-10 opponent, Duke, on December 2 in their ACC opener.
The game saw strong performances from Georgia Tech’s players, with three finishing in double figures. Kyle Sturdivant led the team with 18 points off the bench, while Naithan George contributed 16 points, and Miles Kelly added 15. On the Tar Heels’ side, star player RJ Davis finished the game with an impressive 28 points, marking his seventh game this season with 25 points or more.
Despite North Carolina’s 10-game winning streak leading up to the Georgia Tech matchup, the Tar Heels couldn’t secure the win in the final moments. RJ Davis had a chance to win the game with a last-second floater, but it missed its mark.
The victory for Georgia Tech is a testament to the team’s unpredictable season under coach Damon Stoudamire. While the Yellow Jackets have notable victories against top-tier teams like Duke and North Carolina, their overall performance has been inconsistent. After upsetting Duke, Georgia Tech faced a challenging stretch, losing seven of the next eight conference games. However, their recent win against North Carolina highlights the team’s potential and ability to compete with some of the best teams in the country.
For North Carolina, this unexpected loss serves as a wake-up call as they now turn their attention to a highly anticipated matchup against rival No. 7 Duke on Saturday. The defeat may also prompt the Tar Heels to refocus and ensure they don’t underestimate future opponents as they navigate the remainder of the season.
