Georgia Tech Opens Season With 75-55 Win Over Hampton

Georgia Tech began the season with a 75-55 victory over Hampton, using a strong defensive effort and work on the boards to secure the win. Afterward, head coach Scott Cross said the Yellow Jackets are aiming to hold opponents below 40 percent shooting and establish themselves as a physical rebounding team.

Forward Tylis Jordan stood out, tallying nine points, grabbing eight boards, swatting five shots and adding two steals. Cross described the forward as highly talented and said the team is only beginning to see what he can do.

Georgia Tech finished nine rebounds ahead of Hampton on the offensive glass. Cross said he wants the Yellow Jackets to become one of the nation’s top 25 offensive-rebounding teams, a goal he believes is achievable as the players build strength and physicality.

The coach also acknowledged that the game became sloppy late in the first half and through much of the second. He pointed to careless turnovers and said the team still has to work on its defense, offensive rebounding, transition defense and boxing out.

Despite the uneven finish and Georgia Tech’s own shooting struggles, Cross emphasized that the defense held Hampton to 28 percent shooting. He said creating extra shot attempts through rebounding can help the team win without needing to shoot perfectly, and called the home game an opportunity to prepare for tougher opponents, including Georgia, Mississippi State and ACC teams.