Georgia Tech Upset Virginia in ACC Tournament Showdown

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In a thrilling second-round matchup of the ACC Tournament, No. 8 seeded Georgia Tech edged No. 9 seeded Virginia 66-60 on March 12, 2025. Duncan Powell led the Yellow Jackets with 21 points, including 15 in the second half, to secure their first victory over Virginia since 2016.

Georgia Tech’s victory sets up a quarterfinal clash against top-seeded Duke, who is looking to cement its dominance in the conference. Duke previously defeated Georgia Tech 82-56 in their season matchup earlier this year. After the game, Powell expressed his elation, saying, “This win was important for our confidence. We are excited to play Duke next.”

The Yellow Jackets (17-15) showcased a diverse offensive strategy with Baye Ndongo contributing 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Naithan George nearly achieved a triple-double with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. Virginia (15-17), under interim coach Ron Sanchez, struggled to keep pace in the second half despite a late surge led by Isaac McKneely, who scored 27 points.

After a tight first half that ended in a 25-25 tie, Georgia Tech pulled ahead with an 8-0 run that established a firm grip on the game. With less than eight minutes to play, Powell’s consecutive drives extended their lead to 49-39. Despite the deficit, Virginia rallied, narrowing the score to just two points with a three-pointer from McKneely in the closing seconds.

However, crucial free throws from George sealed the victory for Georgia Tech and ended Virginia’s hopes of a comeback. “We played tough and did what we had to do to win,” said Ndongo after the game.

Virginia shot just 36.2% from the field and struggled on the boards, trailing 44-26 in rebounds. Despite these challenges, their late-game efforts reflected their resilience. Coach Sanchez noted, “We are disappointed not to advance, but I’m proud of how the guys fought until the end.”

Looking ahead, Georgia Tech will need to bring their best effort against Duke, who has claimed the top seed in the tournament with a stellar 28-3 record. As the teams prepare for what promises to be another fierce contest, the stakes have never been higher for the Yellow Jackets, who aim to continue their surprising run in the tournament.