ATLANTA (Interstat) — In a game defined by defensive intensity and critical second-half execution, the Clemson Tigers methodically pulled away from the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets for a 77-63 victory in Atlantic Coast Conference men’s basketball on Saturday at Hank McCamish Pavilion.

The most important part of the game unfolded early in the second half, when Clemson transformed a narrow four-point halftime lead into a commanding double-digit advantage with a decisive 15-4 run. The Tigers, who led 36-33 at the break, saw their offense ignite while simultaneously clamping down on Georgia Tech’s scorers.

The surge began with a RJ Godfrey hook shot and a 3-pointer from Jake Wahlin, assisted by Jestin Porter, pushing the lead to eight. After a Georgia Tech turnover, Clemson’s defense took over, producing a remarkable sequence of four consecutive blocked shots. Carter Welling and Jake Wahlin swatted attempts by Jaeden Mustaf and Akai Fleming, respectively, before Baye Ndongo rejected two more Clemson tries at the rim. Despite the defensive stand, the Yellow Jackets could not capitalize on the offensive end, and Clemson soon broke the game open.

Ace Buckner, who provided a crucial spark off the bench, hit a pull-up jumper and then connected on a 3-pointer to extend the lead to 45-37. Following a Georgia Tech timeout, Nick Davidson sank another 3-pointer, assisted by Buckner, capping the run and giving Clemson a 48-37 advantage with 12:51 remaining. The Yellow Jackets would not get within single digits again.

Clemson’s defense was the foundation of the victory. The Tigers held Georgia Tech to 21-of-57 shooting from the floor, an offensive rating of 96.8 points per 100 possessions. They contested shots at the rim all afternoon, finishing with six blocks, and generated 12 points off nine Georgia Tech turnovers. The Yellow Jackets’ leading scorer, Kowacie Reeves, was held to 19 points on 8-of-19 shooting.

Offensively, Clemson shared the load effectively. Jake Wahlin scored 13 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Nick Davidson also added 13 points, six rebounds and two blocks. Dillon Hunter contributed 12 points, and RJ Godfrey chipped in nine points and four rebounds off the bench. Ace Buckner’s 12 points in 20 minutes, along with four rebounds and four assists, provided vital backcourt production.

Georgia Tech was led by Reeves’ 19 points. Lamar Washington filled the stat sheet with 10 points, six rebounds, five assists and two blocks, but also committed four turnovers. Baye Ndongo battled inside for 10 rebounds and three blocks.

Clemson improved its season record to 17-4 overall and 7-1 in the ACC, bouncing back from an overtime home loss to North Carolina State earlier in the week. Georgia Tech fell to 11-9 and 3-4 in conference play.

The Tigers shot 45.9% from the field and a solid 39.3% from 3-point range, making 11 of 28 attempts. They also outscored Georgia Tech 30-20 in the paint. The Yellow Jackets, who entered the game as 8.5-point underdogs, struggled to find consistent offense outside of Reeves, shooting 36.8% overall.

Clemson’s upcoming schedule includes a home game against Pittsburgh next Saturday. Georgia Tech travels to face Virginia Tech on Tuesday.