McCamish was rocking in the 4th as GT handed MSU their first loss of the season
ATLANTA — Georgia Tech moves to 8-0 after defeating Mississippi State 78-75 in this year’s ACC/SEC Challenge. Last night’s victory was hard-fought and exciting, with 17 lead changes and five tied scores. The stat sheet favored the Bulldogs, who shot over 50% to the Jackets’s 38%, but Tech was able to fight back by capitalizing on 17 MSU turnovers. Despite those stats, the Jackets put up 78 points against a team that normally allows 48 points per game and handed the Bulldogs their first loss of their season.
Georgia Tech had a sluggish start in the first quarter, foreshadowing the offensive challenges that lay ahead. Junior Kara Dunn carried the team early, accounting for most of the first quarter scoring and finishing the night with a game-high 23 points. The second quarter brought more balanced contributions as the Yellow Jackets found their rhythm. Rusne Augustinaite opened the period with a three-pointer, and Toni Morgan added eight points to help GT close the gap. Despite their efforts, the Jackets trailed by five at halftime.
After the break, Georgia Tech quickly regained momentum. Two quick scores from Dunn and a three-pointer by Ariadna Termis reclaimed the lead. Another Dunn-three-pointer further extended Tech’s advantage to its largest margin, but a red-hot Jerkaila Jordan erased the lead, leaving the teams tied at 57 heading into the final quarter.
In the fourth, freshman Dani Carnegie took center stage. Her 10 points down the stretch were crucial in continuing the Jackets’s perfect run. The Bulldogs mounted a late surge, narrowing the deficit to a single point, but Georgia Tech held their ground. Toni Morgan’s eighth assist of the night, setting up Kayla Blackshear for a bucket, and two clutch free throws by Carnegie sealed a hard-fought win for the Jackets.
This game answered any questions surrounding the legitimacy of the Jackets 8-0 start to this season. Tech was able to stay calm, make defensive adjustments, and step up against a team with some great one-on-one players. I have high hopes for this season as we inch closer to ACC play. Next, the Jackets travel to Macon, GA, this Sunday to face the Mercer Bears and hopefully continue their run.