ATLANTA (AP) — Nasir Whitlock scored 29 points, Georgia Tech shot 50% from 3-point range and the Yellow Jackets held persistent Georgia Southern at bay in the end for a 95-83 win on Friday.
Whitlock made six baskets and 13 of 14 foul shots and fellow starters Kam Craft, Colby Garland and Tylis Jordan each scored 11 for Georgia Tech (2-0).
Truman Claytor IV scored 24 points, Eltramon Smith scored 20 points, reserve Josh Dixon 13 and reserve Dallas Gardner 11 for the Eagles (1-0).
Garland made two foul shots with 7:12 left before halftime to give the Yellow Jackets their first double-digit lead, 33-23.
Even though Georgia Southern stayed within striking distance for the duration they never managed a lead.
Georgia Tech and Georgia Southern met for the ninth time in program history. Georgia Tech leads the all-time series, 7-2, including a 6-1 mark at home.
The Yellow Jackets have a seven-game win streak over the Eagles dating back to 1960. Georgia Tech won last year's game at McCamish Pavilion, 68-66.
Georgia Southern: Hosts Mercer on Tuesday.
Georgia Tech: Hosts Eastern Kentucky on Tuesday.
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