Jackets hold off Wofford

Georgia Tech guard Tadric Jackson (1) drives between Georgia’s Yante Maten (1) and Kenny Paul Geno (25) in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2016, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Georgia Tech guard Tadric Jackson (1) drives between Georgia’s Yante Maten (1) and Kenny Paul Geno (25) in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2016, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Georgia Tech had difficulty slowing down Wofford in the second half Thursday night but was spared the consequence. The Yellow Jackets held off the Terriers 76-72 at McCamish Pavilion, barely withstanding a second-half 3-point barrage by the Terriers.

Tech led by eight points at halftime, but was not able to put away a Wofford team that is probably better than its record (now 5-8) would indicate. Using their motion offense, the Terriers were able to stay with the Jackets by making seven of its first 14 3-point tries in the second half. In the final five minutes, Wofford had four possessions where it could tie or take the lead, but was unable to convert each time.

Tech (7-4) secured the game in the final 30 seconds with 6-for-6 free-throw shooting from Quinton Stephens and Josh Heath.

Georgia Tech guard Tadric Jackson (1) drives between Georgia’s Yante Maten (1) and Kenny Paul Geno (25) in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2016, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

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After shooting 34.6 percent in a Tuesday night loss to Georgia, the Jackets responded with a far more efficient game on the offensive end. Tech shot 51.9 percent from the field, its third highest rate of the season and turned the ball over 10 times, a season low.

That said, Wofford opponents came into the game averaging 11.9 opponents and shooting 45.8 percent.

Center Ben Lammers led with a team-high 19 points with seven rebounds. Guard Tadric Jackson scored 14 with 4-for-4 shooting from 3-point range.