Georgia Tech Finds Its Groove in Statement Win Over Marist
On a chilly December night in Atlanta, with finals wrapped and the holiday season in full swing, Georgia Tech gave its fans a reason to stick around campus - and it wasn’t just for the free autographs from ACC Player of the Year quarterback Haynes King. The Yellow Jackets men’s basketball team delivered their most complete performance of the season, knocking off Marist 87-76 in a game that showcased what this group can be when it’s clicking.
And they did it short-handed.
With key contributors Baye Ndongo and Jaeden Mustaf unavailable, Tech didn’t just survive - they thrived. From the opening tip to the final buzzer, this was a team that looked confident, composed, and, finally, in rhythm. For a squad that came in with a 6-4 record and more questions than answers, this was a much-needed statement.
Kowacie Reeves Jr. Leads the Charge
Kowacie Reeves Jr. put on a show. The junior wing was everywhere - scoring, rebounding, defending - and finished with a game-high 21 points on 50% shooting, adding 10 rebounds to complete the double-double. He was aggressive without forcing shots, and his energy seemed to ripple through the rest of the roster.
Down low, Mouhamed Sylla brought the kind of interior presence Tech has been looking for. The big man was efficient and decisive, going 7-for-10 from the field for 14 points, and was a steadying force in the paint on both ends.
A Historic Night from Deep
But the real head-turner? Tech’s shooting from beyond the arc.
The Jackets went 8-for-11 from three-point range - a scorching 72.7% - and were sitting at 8-for-10 with less than a minute to play before Reeves missed their final attempt. Had they held at 8-for-10, it would’ve set a school record for three-point percentage in a single game.
Still, it was the program’s best shooting night from deep since 1991. That’s no small feat, especially in today’s game where spacing and perimeter shooting are at a premium.
Game Flow: From Tight Battle to Total Control
Marist came in with one of the better defenses in the country - ranked 44th in defensive efficiency according to Bart Torvik - and for the first 15 minutes, they looked the part. The Red Foxes led for over seven minutes of the first half and kept things tight until late in the period.
Then Chas Kelley III knocked down a three to give Tech a 37-35 lead, and the Jackets never looked back. That shot sparked an 8-0 run, sending Tech into halftime up 44-36. Sylla led the way at the break with 12 points and five boards, setting the tone for what was to come.
The second half was all Jackets. A 12-0 burst early in the period blew the game open, pushing the lead to 61-43.
At one point, Tech led by as many as 23. From there, it was cruise control - the kind of game management and poise that’s been missing from this team at times earlier in the season.
Haynes King Brings the Buzz
Off the court, the energy in McCamish Pavilion got a major boost from none other than Haynes King. The ACC Player of the Year quarterback was on hand for a halftime ceremony recognizing his standout season, but he wasn’t just there for the spotlight - he was there for the fans.
King spent over an hour signing autographs, well past the scheduled 30-minute window, making sure every fan in line got a signature. That kind of presence matters.
It builds community, and it builds momentum. Reeves even mentioned postgame how King’s appearance helped energize the crowd and the team.
What This Win Means
It’s easy to dismiss a non-conference win in December, especially against a mid-major opponent. But this one felt different.
Marist wasn’t some pushover - they came in with a strong defensive resume and had been giving teams fits. Tech not only handled them, they did so without two of their top players and while putting together their best offensive performance of the season.
This is the kind of win that can serve as a springboard. The Jackets showed balance, shot the ball with confidence, and played with a level of cohesion that’s been missing. If they can build on this - especially once Ndongo and Mustaf return - Georgia Tech might just be finding its identity at the right time.
For now, though, the Jackets can enjoy a win that wasn’t just needed - it was earned.