Cards Can't Contain Georgia Tech, Fall 83-67

ATLANTA — Louisville men's basketball struggled offensively Saturday and couldn't contain Georgia Tech from 3-point range in an 83-67 road loss.

The Cardinals (4-25, 2-16 ACC) shot 44% for the game and made just 4 of 17 3-pointers, while the Yellow Jackets (12-17, 4-14) made 12 long-range shots on their senior night.

"The way they started the game, putting us on our heels," UofL head coach Kenny Payne said. "I think they scored 45 points in the first half. We didn't defend them. They took it to us, they scored in the paint. They finished the game making 12 3s along with 40 points in the paint. That means there was no resistance anywhere on the court."

Louisville took the lead in the first half with a 7-0 run to make it 17-14 after a basket by redshirt freshman guard/forward Mike James at the 12:17 mark.

After redshirt junior forward Jae'Lyn Withers' 3-pointer made it 24-22 UofL with 7:40 to go, Georgia Tech went on a 10-0 spurt to open a 32-24 advantage.

The Yellow Jackets led 45-32 at the break after making eight 3-pointers in the first half and shooting 53% from the floor. Louisville had nine turnovers in the first half that became nine Georgia Tech points.

Georgia Tech had a 7-0 run early in the second half to take their largest lead at 52-34 at the 17:44 mark, but Louisville clawed back within five with 4:57 to go. Junior forward JJ Traynor's lob dunk from senior guard El Ellis made it 66-61.

The Yellow Jackets got a three-point play from Kyle Sturdivant and a putback by Jalon Moore to end the threat. Ja'Von Franklin paced Georgia Tech with 21 points and 13 rebounds.

Ellis and freshman forward Kamari Lands led Louisville with 15 points each. James (14 points) and Traynor (10) joined them in double figures.

Louisville returns to the KFC Yum! Center for its home finale and senior night against Virginia Tech at 9 p.m. ET Tuesday. The game will air on ACC Network.

University of Louisville Athletics

Players Mentioned

El Ellis

Mike James

Kamari Lands

JJ Traynor

Jae'Lyn Withers

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