Big early Georgia Tech second half run puts away Miami basketball

After taking a 50-46 halftime lead, the Miami basketball team went cold to begin the second half in an 80-76 loss on Saturday versus Georgia Tech. Miami lost its sixth straight game. Georgia Tech went on a decisive 26-9 run to begin the second half. Miami was never able to recover from a 13-point second-half deficit.

Miami played well offensively in the first half. The Hurricanes led 50-46 at halftime. Miami shot 56.3 percent from the floor and made nine of their 15 three-point attempts in the first half. The Hurricanes made 29.7 percent of their shots from the floor and four of 21 three-point attempts in the second half.

Georgia Tech shot 47.6 percent for the game and made 15 of their 34 three point attempts. Miami has allowed its last five opponents to make at least 11 three-point shots. Georgia Tech was led by Miles Kelly with 25 points. Kelly made nine of his 15 shots from the field and seven of his 11 three-point attempts.

Kyshawn George and Bensley Joseph led Miami with 16 points each. George scored all 16 of his points in the first half. Norchad Omier had one of the worst games of his Miami basketball career with seven points and six rebounds. Wooga Poplar scored 14 and Matthew Cleveland with 10 with other Miami players in double figures.

Georgia Tech and Miami were both hot in the first half. The Yellow Jackets were 17-34 from the floor and made 11 of their 20 three-point shots in the first half. Kelly led Georgia Tech with 14 points in the opening 20 minutes. George scored 16 points on 5-7 field goals, 4-6 three-pointers and had five assists in the first half.

Miami travels to North Carolina on Monday night. Without an upset win over the Tar Heels, Miami will have its first seven game losing streak since 2006-07. The Hurricanes are doomed to begin the ACC Tournament in the opening round on Tuesday March 12. Miami is 15-13 overall and 6-11 in the ACC with the loss.