Driving to the basket frequently but making baskets less often, Georgia Tech was overwhelmed by Tennessee Saturday, absorbing the most lopsided defeat of the young season. Making just seven baskets in 36 first-half possessions, the Yellow Jackets fell behind early and never recovered, losing 81-58 at Thompson-Boling Arena.
First-year coach Josh Pastner wanted the Jackets to score more efficiently close the basket after they shot 32 percent in the paint in a road loss to Penn State Tuesday. However, Tech did not improve much, if at all, in that facet, scoring 16 points in the paint to Tennessee’s 36. Tech perimeter players repeatedly drove to the basket but attempted dfficult shots that rarely found the mark.
For the game, Tech (4-3) shot 32.7 percent, including 28.6 percent inside the 3-point arc. The Jackets compounded the errant shooting with a season-high 19 turnovers, as they often had trouble with Tennessee’s pressure.
The Jackets were led by forward Quinton Stephens, who had 15 points, and center Ben Lammers, who had his fifth double double with 10 points and 14 rebounsd. Tennessee (3-3) shot a season-best 52.8 percent, also the high for a Tech opponent.
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