(Clemson Media Athletic Communications)
Clemson overcame an 11-point halftime deficit only to see its own lead evaporate over the final five minutes in a 65-62 loss to Georgia Tech on Senior Night, Friday. The Yellow Jackets outscored the Tigers 16-3 over the final 5:05 to erase Clemson’s nine-point advantage.
The Tigers were ice cold in the first half, hitting on just 10 of 29 shots, but turned up the heat right out of intermission with a pair of 3-pointers from Amir Simms and Al-Amir Dawes. Senior Curran Scott capped the comeback and sent Littlejohn Coliseum into a frenzy when his breakaway layup gave Clemson a 46-44 lead with 10:43 remaining.
The Tigers (15-15, 9-11 ACC) went on to build a 59-50 lead behind strong second halves from Simms and senior Tevin Mack, each of whom scored 10 points over the final 20 minutes. Simms finished with 12 points and eight rebounds. Mack was aggressive from the opening tip and scored a team-high 19 points. Scott also had a good night, dropping 11 points and making a pair of steals.
But the Tigers were unable to hold the lead, hitting on just 1 of their last 11 shots from the field.
Clemson head coach Brad Brownell credited Georgia Tech’s backcourt, “We took control of the game and to their credit, (Michael) Devoe beat us in the end. Their guards are so poised and so skilled. They’re a problem.”
The Tigers will next head to Greensboro, NC, for the ACC Tournament. Clemson will play at noon, Wednesday.
