Jackets take seventh trip out West in eight-plus years under Hewitt
Dec. 19, 2008
Malibu, Calif. -
Complete Game Notes in PDF Format
Georgia Tech plays its final two games before the Christmas break, making a trip to the West Coast to visit Pepperdine (5 p.m. Eastern time) Saturday and Southern California (10:30 p.m. Eastern) on Monday. The trip marks the Yellow Jackets' seventh trip out West for a tournament or games since Paul Hewitt became Tech's head coach. The Jackets are 5-6 in their previous ventures West, which includes four games in two events played in Las Vegas.
Both game can be heard on radio over the Georgia Tech/ISP Sports Network, including flagship station WQXI-AM (790) in Atlanta, as well as WREK-FM (91.1) and WTSH-FM (107.1). Monday's game will be televised regionally on FSN South and FSN West.
Tech (6-2) has split its last four games following a 4-0 start, having won its last outing Wednesday night at home against Georgia State, 84-64. The Yellow Jackets have played just one road game to date, an 82-76 overtime win at Mercer on Nov. 22.
Pepperdine has begun its season 1-9 (pending a Thursday game against Cal State Northridge), dropping nine straight games since a season-opening, 91-82 win over Cal State Monterey Bay. This will be just the second meeting between the Jackets and Waves, the first occurring in the 1983 Casaba Club Classic (a 67-56 Tech win).
Southern California is 6-3 pending a Saturday date with North Dakota State, having defeated Pepperdine in its most recent outing, 91-77 on Dec. 15. The Jackets and Trojans also are meeting for the second time, the first a 79-78 Tech triumph in the 1992 NCAA Tournament.
Next 5 Games
12/28 @BUFF 10:00pm
01/03 WOU 5:00pm
01/10 LMU 11:00pm
01/15 @USD 10:00pm
01/17 @SMC 4:00pm
Complete Schedule: Pepperdine
Los Angeles, Calif. (AP) - Taj Gibson scored a career-high 25 points and grabbed 11 rebounds and Southern California held off Pepperdine's second-half rally to win 91-77 Monday night.
Dwight Lewis added 17 points, Daniel Hackett 16, Leonard Washington 14 and DeMar DeRozan 10 for the Trojans (6-3), who improved to 5-0 at Galen Center.
Keion Bell scored 18 points for the Waves (1-9), who lost their ninth in a row and haven't won since their season opener against Cal State Monterey Bay.
Pepperdine got within six points with 3 1/2 minutes remaining before the Trojans closed the game on a 14-6 run. Washington scored seven points and Hackett added four in the decisive spurt.
Dwight Lewis added 17 points, Daniel Hackett 16, Leonard Washington 14 and DeMar DeRozan 10 for the Trojans (6-3), who improved to 5-0 at Galen Center.
Keion Bell scored 18 points for the Waves (1-9), who lost their ninth in a row and haven't won since their season opener against Cal State Monterey Bay.
Pepperdine got within six points with 3 1/2 minutes remaining before the Trojans closed the game on a 14-6 run. Washington scored seven points and Hackett added four in the decisive spurt.
Matadors look for third straight home win at The Matadome
Dec. 16, 2008
Complete Release in PDF Format
Game Gossip ...Two universities that are only 20 miles apart hit the court on Thursday, December 18, when Cal Staste Northridge hosts Pepperdine in a 7:05 p.m. non-league game at The Matadome ... This is the final home game in December before the Matadors hit the road again for a Dec. 22 non-league game at San Diego State, and then open Big West Conference play at Cal State Fullerton (Dec. 29, 7:00 p.m.) ...
Pepperdine Points ...Pepperdine is 1-9 ... The losses have included games to Big West schools (80-61 at Long Beach State, 73-61 vs UC Irvine, and 73-55 to Pacific) ... Keion Bell, a freshman guard, leads the Waves attack at 12.4 ppg ... Taylor Darby, a freshman forward, leads the team in rebounding at 6.3 per game ... Twelve of Pepperdine's 15 players are either freshmen or sophomores ... Thursday's game will be the 2000th in Pepperdine hoops history.
SOUTHLAND COLLEGE BASKETBALL ROUNDUP
CS Northridge defeats Pepperdine
The Matadors led by as many as 43 points in routing the Waves.
December 19, 2008
CS Northridge defeats Pepperdine
The Matadors led by as many as 43 points in routing the Waves.
December 19, 2008
at CS Northridge 99, Pepperdine 64: The Matadors (3-6) led by as many as 43 points in routing the Waves (1-10). Deon Tresvant scored 25 points for Northridge, which had a 47-24 lead at halftime. Keion Bell and Lorne Jackson had 13 points each for Pepperdine, which has lost 10 in a row.
Aminu Sparks Tech Surge Against Pepperdine
Senior center a key part of Tech's inside success
Dec. 21, 2008
By Simit Shah -
Los Angeles, Calif. - Against the picturesque backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, the Yellow Jackets seemed a little more interested in the scenery outside than the basketball game taking place inside Firestone Fieldhouse on Pepperdine's Malibu campus.
An inept opening four-minute stretch saw the Jackets turn the ball over four times, miss three of their first four shots and fall behind 8-2 against a Pepperdine team that had lost 10 straight games.
Alade Aminu wasn't happy, and he was ready to do something about it. After a Tech timeout, the senior intercepted a pass in the backcourt and drove the length of the court to draw a foul on a layup attempt. Aminu would connect on only one of two free throws, but it sparked a 27-8 run that saw Tech take control of the game.
"That play got us going," said coach Paul Hewitt. "I thought he made a couple of plays after we went to the (full-court) pressure. It kick-started us and set the tone for the rest of the half."
Georgia Tech (6-2) at Pepperdine (1-10)
By Sports Network - The Sports Network
Published: Sat, Dec. 20, 2008 10:40AM
GAME NOTES: The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets of the ACC and the Pepperdine Waves of the West Coast Conference will collide today in Malibu. Georgia Tech has won two of its last three games to improve to 6-2 overall. The Yellow Jackets were most recently in action on Wednesday when they knocked off Georgia State by an 84-64 final. Their only two losses have come by a total of eight points, and while they are not considered one of the top teams in the ACC, coach Paul Hewitt does have some talent on the roster. As for Pepperdine, it has lost 10 straight decisions since opening the campaign with a victory.
Senior center a key part of Tech's inside success
Dec. 21, 2008
By Simit Shah -
Los Angeles, Calif. - Against the picturesque backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, the Yellow Jackets seemed a little more interested in the scenery outside than the basketball game taking place inside Firestone Fieldhouse on Pepperdine's Malibu campus.
An inept opening four-minute stretch saw the Jackets turn the ball over four times, miss three of their first four shots and fall behind 8-2 against a Pepperdine team that had lost 10 straight games.
Alade Aminu wasn't happy, and he was ready to do something about it. After a Tech timeout, the senior intercepted a pass in the backcourt and drove the length of the court to draw a foul on a layup attempt. Aminu would connect on only one of two free throws, but it sparked a 27-8 run that saw Tech take control of the game."That play got us going," said coach Paul Hewitt. "I thought he made a couple of plays after we went to the (full-court) pressure. It kick-started us and set the tone for the rest of the half."
Georgia Tech (6-2) at Pepperdine (1-10)
By Sports Network - The Sports Network
Published: Sat, Dec. 20, 2008 10:40AM
GAME NOTES: The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets of the ACC and the Pepperdine Waves of the West Coast Conference will collide today in Malibu. Georgia Tech has won two of its last three games to improve to 6-2 overall. The Yellow Jackets were most recently in action on Wednesday when they knocked off Georgia State by an 84-64 final. Their only two losses have come by a total of eight points, and while they are not considered one of the top teams in the ACC, coach Paul Hewitt does have some talent on the roster. As for Pepperdine, it has lost 10 straight decisions since opening the campaign with a victory.
The Waves played Cal State Northridge on Thursday, and that road clash ended in a lopsided 99-64 setback. They have been blown out in most of the losses and are clearly underdogs here against Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets won the only previous meeting between these two teams back in 1983.Georgia Tech has played tremendous team defense this season, limiting opponents to 64.0 ppg on 38.9 percent shooting from the floor. The Yellow Jackets, who are netting 77.1 ppg, are outrebounding foes by eight boards per contest. Gani Lawal leads the club with 19.1 ppg on the strength of his 57.8 percent field goal efficiency, and he is ripping down 10.3 rpg. Lewis Clinch is close behind in scoring with 18.0 ppg, and Alade Aminu adds 13.6 ppg to the mix. Iman Shumpert (11.4 ppg) and Zachery Peacock (10.3 ppg) provide further balance. Lawal was outstanding in the romp over Georgia State on Wednesday, as he posted 23 points and 10 rebounds. Clinch hit his average with 18 points, and Brad Sheehan managed 16 points off the bench. Aminu contributed 13 points, and Shumpert handed out 11 assists. A 48-24 rebounding advantage played a major role in the victory for Tech, as did a 20-9 edge in points from the foul line.
Heading into Thursday's clash with Cal State Northridge, only one player on the Pepperdine roster was averaging double figures in scoring. Keion Bell carried his 12.4 ppg into the contest, but he had committed 44 turnovers through the first 10 outings. Against the Matadors, Bell tied for the team lead with 13 points, but he turned the ball over six times and had just one assist. Lorne Jackson also had 13 points for Pepperdine, which got 10 points and 14 rebounds from Taylor Darby. The team shot a lowly 24.3 percent from the floor in the first half, and Cal State Northridge owned a 47-24 lead at intermission. The Matadors sealed the victory with 54.3 percent shooting over the final 20 minutes, as the Waves clearly struggled defensively. Pepperdine turned the ball over 24 times, overshadowing a staggering total of 25 offensive rebounds.
There is no question that Georgia Tech should cruise past Pepperdine. The Waves will be out of this one by intermission.
Georgia Tech Defeats Pepperdine 86-58
Alade Aminu led the Yellow Jackets with 18 points.
Dec. 20, 2008
Box Score
MALIBU, Calif. (Courtesy of Pepperdine Athletics) -- Alade Aminu had team highs of 18 points and 11 rebounds to lead Georgia Tech to an 86-58 victory over Pepperdine on Saturday afternoon at Firestone Fieldhouse.
The Yellow Jackets, playing just their second road game of the season and their first outside the state of Georgia, improved to 7-2. The Waves (1-11) lost their 11th straight game since a season-opening win against Cal State Monterey Bay.
Aminu led six Georgia Tech players that scored in double-figures, including all five starters. Iman Shumpert had 15 points, seven assists and three steals. Gani Lawal had his ACC-leading sixth double-double of the season with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Mychel Thompson was Pepperdine's only player to reach double-figures, as he scored a game-high 20 points. It was his second-highest total of the season and the third time that the sophomore has reached the 20-point plateau in his career.
Georgia Tech outshot the Waves 54.8 percent to 36.2 percent. The Yellow Jackets forced 20 turnovers and turned that into a 34-12 edge in points off turnovers.
Pepperdine took an 8-2 lead at the first media timeout as Thompson made a pair of three-pointers, but Aminu had seven points as Georgia Tech went on a 15-3 run over the next 4 ½ minutes to grab a 17-11 lead.
Shumpert later hit two three-pointers during an 8-0 run that increased the Yellow Jackets' lead to 29-16 with 6 ½ minutes remaining in the first half. Georgia Tech went into the break with a 40-26 advantage.
The Yellow Jackets' lead steadily grew in the second half. They took their first 20-point lead at 48-28 on a jumper by Zachery Peacock with 17:45 left, and another 8-0 run gave them a 59-35 lead with 13 minutes to go. Georgia Tech went up by 30 at 79-49 on Bassirou Dieng's lay-up with 3:26 to play and its largest lead was 32 points at 81-49.
This was the second meeting between the two schools, with the first being a Yellow Jacket neutral-site victory in December 1983. Georgia Tech stays in the area to play at Southern California on Monday, while Pepperdine is next at the Rainbow Classic in Hawaii on Dec. 28-30. The Waves' first game is against Buffalo.
Georgia Tech Defeats Men's Basketball, 86-58
Courtesy: Pepperdine Sports Information
Release: 12/20/2008
The Yellow Jackets, playing just their second road game of the season and their first outside the state of Georgia, improved to 7-2. The Waves (1-11) lost their 11th straight game since a season-opening win against Cal State Monterey Bay.
Aminu led six Georgia Tech players that scored in double-figures, including all five starters. Iman Shumpert had 15 points, seven assists and three steals. Gani Lawal had his ACC-leading sixth double-double of the season with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Mychel Thompson was Pepperdine's only player to reach double-figures, as he scored a game-high 20 points. It was his second-highest total of the season and the third time that the sophomore has reached the 20-point plateau in his career.
Georgia Tech outshot the Waves 54.8 percent to 36.2 percent. The Yellow Jackets forced 20 turnovers and turned that into a 34-12 edge in points off turnovers.Pepperdine took an 8-2 lead at the first media timeout as Thompson made a pair of three-pointers, but Aminu had seven points as Georgia Tech went on a 15-3 run over the next 4 ½ minutes to grab a 17-11 lead.
Shumpert later hit two three-pointers during an 8-0 run that increased the Yellow Jackets' lead to 29-16 with 6 ½ minutes remaining in the first half. Georgia Tech went into the break with a 40-26 advantage.
The Yellow Jackets' lead steadily grew in the second half. They took their first 20-point lead at 48-28 on a jumper by Zachery Peacock with 17:45 left, and another 8-0 run gave them a 59-35 lead with 13 minutes to go. Georgia Tech went up by 30 at 79-49 on Bassirou Dieng's lay-up with 3:26 to play and its largest lead was 32 points at 81-49.
This was the second meeting between the two schools, with the first being a Yellow Jacket neutral-site victory in December 1983. Georgia Tech stays in the area to play at Southern California on Monday, while Pepperdine is next at the Rainbow Classic in Hawaii on Dec. 28-30. The Waves' first game is against Buffalo.
Georgia Tech Defeats Men's Basketball, 86-58
Courtesy: Pepperdine Sports Information
Release: 12/20/2008
MALIBU, Calif. — Sophomore forward Mychel Thompson scored a game-high 20 points but the Pepperdine men’s basketball team suffered an 86-58 defeat to Georgia Tech on Saturday afternoon at Firestone Fieldhouse.
The Yellow Jackets, playing just their second road game of the season and their first outside the state of Georgia, improved to 7-2. The Waves (1-11) lost their 11th straight game since a season-opening win against Cal State Monterey Bay.
Thompson (Ladera Ranch, Calif./Stoneridge Prep) was Pepperdine’s only player to reach double-figures, as none of his teammates scored more than seven points. It was his second-highest total of the season and the third time that he has reached the 20-point plateau in his career.
Freshman guard Lorne Jackson (Simi Valley, Calif./Simi Valley HS) had seven points but fouled out after just 15 minutes of playing time. Freshman forward Dane Suttle Jr. (Los Angeles, Calif./Summit College Prep) also scored seven points. Freshman center Andy Shannon (Carmichael, Calif./El Camino HS) had six points and three rebounds in 16 minutes, his longest stint of the season.
Alade Aminu had team highs of 18 points and 11 rebounds to lead six Georgia Tech players that scored in double-figures, including all five starters. Georgia Tech outshot the Waves 54.8 percent to 36.2 percent. The bigger, stronger Yellow Jackets scored 42 points in the paint and had a 40-32 edge in rebounding. Georgia Tech also forced 20 turnovers and turned that into a 34-12 edge in points off turnovers.
Pepperdine took an 8-2 lead at the first media timeout as Thompson made a pair of three-pointers, but Aminu had seven points as Georgia Tech went on a 15-3 run over the next 4 ½ minutes to grab a 17-11 lead.
Iman Shumpert (15 points) later hit two three-pointers during an 8-0 run that increased the Yellow Jackets’ lead to 29-16 with 6 ½ minutes remaining in the first half. Georgia Tech went into the break with a 40-26 advantage.
The Yellow Jackets’ lead steadily grew in the second half. They took their first 20-point lead at 48-28 on a jumper by Zachery Peacock with 17:45 left, and another 8-0 run gave them a 59-35 lead with 13 minutes to go. Georgia Tech went up by 30 at 79-49 on Bassirou Dieng’s lay-up with 3:26 to play and its largest lead was 32 points at 81-49.
This was the second meeting between the two schools, with the first being a Yellow Jacket neutral-site victory in December 1983 in Stockton, Calif.
Of the 12 players that saw action for the Waves, 10 were freshmen or sophomores, and eight weren’t on the roster last year. The Waves played their eighth straight game without Ryan Holmes (Phoenix, Ariz./Millennium HS/Phoenix CC), their starting point guard and one of just three seniors, who is sidelined by a knee injury.
Due to the Christmas holiday, the Waves are off from competition for a week before taking part in the Outrigger Hotels Rainbow Classic, hosted by Hawaii, on Dec. 28-30. The Waves play Buffalo in their first of three games. Subscribers to “Wave Casts” at http://www.pepperdinesports.com/?DB_OEM_ID=18500 can hear Al Epstein’s call of the action.
The Yellow Jackets, playing just their second road game of the season and their first outside the state of Georgia, improved to 7-2. The Waves (1-11) lost their 11th straight game since a season-opening win against Cal State Monterey Bay.
Thompson (Ladera Ranch, Calif./Stoneridge Prep) was Pepperdine’s only player to reach double-figures, as none of his teammates scored more than seven points. It was his second-highest total of the season and the third time that he has reached the 20-point plateau in his career.
Freshman guard Lorne Jackson (Simi Valley, Calif./Simi Valley HS) had seven points but fouled out after just 15 minutes of playing time. Freshman forward Dane Suttle Jr. (Los Angeles, Calif./Summit College Prep) also scored seven points. Freshman center Andy Shannon (Carmichael, Calif./El Camino HS) had six points and three rebounds in 16 minutes, his longest stint of the season.
Alade Aminu had team highs of 18 points and 11 rebounds to lead six Georgia Tech players that scored in double-figures, including all five starters. Georgia Tech outshot the Waves 54.8 percent to 36.2 percent. The bigger, stronger Yellow Jackets scored 42 points in the paint and had a 40-32 edge in rebounding. Georgia Tech also forced 20 turnovers and turned that into a 34-12 edge in points off turnovers.
Pepperdine took an 8-2 lead at the first media timeout as Thompson made a pair of three-pointers, but Aminu had seven points as Georgia Tech went on a 15-3 run over the next 4 ½ minutes to grab a 17-11 lead.
Iman Shumpert (15 points) later hit two three-pointers during an 8-0 run that increased the Yellow Jackets’ lead to 29-16 with 6 ½ minutes remaining in the first half. Georgia Tech went into the break with a 40-26 advantage.
The Yellow Jackets’ lead steadily grew in the second half. They took their first 20-point lead at 48-28 on a jumper by Zachery Peacock with 17:45 left, and another 8-0 run gave them a 59-35 lead with 13 minutes to go. Georgia Tech went up by 30 at 79-49 on Bassirou Dieng’s lay-up with 3:26 to play and its largest lead was 32 points at 81-49.This was the second meeting between the two schools, with the first being a Yellow Jacket neutral-site victory in December 1983 in Stockton, Calif.
Of the 12 players that saw action for the Waves, 10 were freshmen or sophomores, and eight weren’t on the roster last year. The Waves played their eighth straight game without Ryan Holmes (Phoenix, Ariz./Millennium HS/Phoenix CC), their starting point guard and one of just three seniors, who is sidelined by a knee injury.
Due to the Christmas holiday, the Waves are off from competition for a week before taking part in the Outrigger Hotels Rainbow Classic, hosted by Hawaii, on Dec. 28-30. The Waves play Buffalo in their first of three games. Subscribers to “Wave Casts” at http://www.pepperdinesports.com/?DB_OEM_ID=18500 can hear Al Epstein’s call of the action.
Saturday, Dec. 20, 2008
Recap: Pepperdine vs. Georgia Tech
By Sports Network- The Sports Network
Recap: Pepperdine vs. Georgia Tech
By Sports Network- The Sports Network
All five of the starting Yellow Jackets finished the night with double-figures, as Georgia Tech rolled over Pepperdine, 86-58, at the Firestone Fieldhouse in non-conference play.
Alade Aminu led the Yellow Jackets (7-2) with a double-double, scoring 18 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Gani Lawal also finished with a double-double, tallying 11 points and 10 rebounds in the win.
Iman Shumpert dropped 15 points and dished off seven assists, while Lewis Clinch chipped in with a dozen points of his own. Zachery Peacock finished with 10 points, and Brad Sheehan came off the bench to drain 10 points. Mychel Thompson scored a game and team high 20 points in Pepperdine's 11th straight loss (1-11).
The Yellow Jackets rolled over Pepperdine from the beginning. They finished the first half with a 40-26 lead, draining 17-of-30 from the floor. Pepperdine played stronger in the second frame, but only hit 11-of-30 from the field and 3-of-9 from three-point range. Georgia Tech knocked down 17-32 attempts from the floor in the second half, walking away with an easy 28-point route.
The Waves turned the ball over 20 times in the loss. Georgia Tech wasted no time in capitalizing, draining 34 points off of turnovers
Alade Aminu led the Yellow Jackets (7-2) with a double-double, scoring 18 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Gani Lawal also finished with a double-double, tallying 11 points and 10 rebounds in the win.
Iman Shumpert dropped 15 points and dished off seven assists, while Lewis Clinch chipped in with a dozen points of his own. Zachery Peacock finished with 10 points, and Brad Sheehan came off the bench to drain 10 points. Mychel Thompson scored a game and team high 20 points in Pepperdine's 11th straight loss (1-11).
The Yellow Jackets rolled over Pepperdine from the beginning. They finished the first half with a 40-26 lead, draining 17-of-30 from the floor. Pepperdine played stronger in the second frame, but only hit 11-of-30 from the field and 3-of-9 from three-point range. Georgia Tech knocked down 17-32 attempts from the floor in the second half, walking away with an easy 28-point route.
The Waves turned the ball over 20 times in the loss. Georgia Tech wasted no time in capitalizing, draining 34 points off of turnovers
GEORGIA TECH 86, PEPPERDINE 58:
Yellow Jackets practice on Waves
By Jon Gold
For the Journal-Constitution
Sunday, December 21, 2008
By Jon Gold
For the Journal-Constitution
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Malibu, Calif. —- At some point in Georgia Tech’s 86-58 victory against host Pepperdine on Saturday afternoon, the game stopped being about those 40 minutes and started becoming about the next 800.
Perhaps the time came as the Yellow Jackets stretched their lead to 20 points, or maybe it came when the Waves turned the ball over on consecutive possessions, and Georgia Tech realized that its young opponents just didn’t have it in them to come back.
Whenever it happened, the Yellow Jackets shifted into cruise control.
“I told the guys at halftime, ‘This is about building one possession at a time for the games that are coming down the road,’ ” Georgia Tech coach Paul Hewitt said. “We’ve got a tough USC team on Monday night, a very athletic team, and some of the mental breakdowns we have, we can’t afford to make.”
Before the Yellow Jackets could shift gears, however, the team had to regroup.
Three minutes into the game, a disgusted Hewitt called a timeout as Pepperdine (1-11) stretched an early lead to 8-2. Hewitt pulled his players in and issued a stern warning; essentially, “Wake up.”
“I could just see that we were in a fog,” Hewitt said. “I said to the staff, ‘We don’t look right. We don’t look ready to play.’ It was more about being mentally alert, more sharp.”
The Yellow Jackets responded with a 27-8 run to take firm control, which they would not relinquish.
Point guard Iman Shumpert led the way, scoring 12 of his 15 points in the stretch, including two 3-pointers. Shumpert was one of six Yellow Jackets in double figures, including double-doubles by Alade Aminu (18 points, 11 rebounds) and Gani Lawal (11 points, 10 rebounds).
“[Shumpert] actually is more than I expected, in terms of understanding the game,” Hewitt said. “With Moe Miller being out [with a broken nose], we couldn’t have asked for a better guy out there who really understands the game.”
Shumpert’s scoring got Georgia Tech out of its funk. His passing, however, truly inspired the Yellow Jackets. The stoic freshman from Chicago had seven assists, including a no-look pass in heavy traffic to Lawal for a dunk that prompted an emphatic fist pump midway through the first half.
“I feel like I can score when I want to score, when I need to score,” Shumpert said. “But for me, it’s seeing those big guys get those touches, those dunks that make me happy. Instead of getting myself a smile when I’m scoring every time, I’d rather get them to score, get them to smile.
“That makes me smile.”
Perhaps the time came as the Yellow Jackets stretched their lead to 20 points, or maybe it came when the Waves turned the ball over on consecutive possessions, and Georgia Tech realized that its young opponents just didn’t have it in them to come back.
Whenever it happened, the Yellow Jackets shifted into cruise control.
“I told the guys at halftime, ‘This is about building one possession at a time for the games that are coming down the road,’ ” Georgia Tech coach Paul Hewitt said. “We’ve got a tough USC team on Monday night, a very athletic team, and some of the mental breakdowns we have, we can’t afford to make.”
Before the Yellow Jackets could shift gears, however, the team had to regroup.
Three minutes into the game, a disgusted Hewitt called a timeout as Pepperdine (1-11) stretched an early lead to 8-2. Hewitt pulled his players in and issued a stern warning; essentially, “Wake up.”
“I could just see that we were in a fog,” Hewitt said. “I said to the staff, ‘We don’t look right. We don’t look ready to play.’ It was more about being mentally alert, more sharp.”
The Yellow Jackets responded with a 27-8 run to take firm control, which they would not relinquish.
Point guard Iman Shumpert led the way, scoring 12 of his 15 points in the stretch, including two 3-pointers. Shumpert was one of six Yellow Jackets in double figures, including double-doubles by Alade Aminu (18 points, 11 rebounds) and Gani Lawal (11 points, 10 rebounds).
“[Shumpert] actually is more than I expected, in terms of understanding the game,” Hewitt said. “With Moe Miller being out [with a broken nose], we couldn’t have asked for a better guy out there who really understands the game.”
Shumpert’s scoring got Georgia Tech out of its funk. His passing, however, truly inspired the Yellow Jackets. The stoic freshman from Chicago had seven assists, including a no-look pass in heavy traffic to Lawal for a dunk that prompted an emphatic fist pump midway through the first half.
“I feel like I can score when I want to score, when I need to score,” Shumpert said. “But for me, it’s seeing those big guys get those touches, those dunks that make me happy. Instead of getting myself a smile when I’m scoring every time, I’d rather get them to score, get them to smile.
“That makes me smile.”
Simi Valley's Lewis comfortable at home
By Jon Gold, Special to the Daily News
Article Last Updated: 12/19/2008 11:07:18 PM PST
SIMI VALLEY - There is a specific point on the Simi Valley court that Brad Lewis has made very familiar.
Right at the bottom of the "I" in Simi Valley, roughly 24 feet from the bottom of the net - another place in the gym Lewis knows quite well.
And on Friday night, Lewis found his comfort and his refuge early and often, lighting up visiting Calabasas for 41points in a 72-65 Marmonte League victory.
"I know that if I'm open, I can make it," the soft-spoken 6-foot guard said. "It doesn't matter really where it is. As long as it's not too far out, I think I can make it."
Late in the game, when the Coyotes (5-5) could no longer afford to give Lewis space around the perimeter, he simply drove to the basket.
Lewis had the Pioneers' last 15 points, including a beautiful running, right-handed floater while driving down the left side of the key, drawing the foul.
"He can get to the basket and shoot - if you try to take away that penetration, he's just going to shoot on you," Calabasas coach Jon Palarz said. "It was a very complete performance - we threw our best at him, but he was better."
Last season, Lewis was part of a triuumverate of high scorers, scoring 17.9 points per game aside teammates Lorne Jackson (22.9 ppg) and Mike Meza (20.0 ppg) for the 26-2Pioneers.
Now, Jackson and Meza are gone, and Lewis is alone.
But still home.
"Last year, he was ready to embrace the role," Simi
Valley coach Christian Aurand said. "He was more of a catch-and- shoot type guy, but tonight, he showed that he is creative."
Simi Valley (9-1), coming off a victory in the Crescenta Valley Falcon Classic and a win over Moorpark to open the Marmonte League season, flustered Calabasas' Evan Smith throughout the game. The Coyotes' embattled center committed two early offensive fouls and was limited to just 13 points.
"We were trying to cause some havoc with our press and trapping schemes, but the one thing you've got to be aware of his where he is on the floor," Aurand said. "The part where he's so good is going in and rebounding the ball, and I thought we did a good job of keeping him off the glass."
By Jon Gold, Special to the Daily News
Article Last Updated: 12/19/2008 11:07:18 PM PST
SIMI VALLEY - There is a specific point on the Simi Valley court that Brad Lewis has made very familiar.
Right at the bottom of the "I" in Simi Valley, roughly 24 feet from the bottom of the net - another place in the gym Lewis knows quite well.
And on Friday night, Lewis found his comfort and his refuge early and often, lighting up visiting Calabasas for 41points in a 72-65 Marmonte League victory.
"I know that if I'm open, I can make it," the soft-spoken 6-foot guard said. "It doesn't matter really where it is. As long as it's not too far out, I think I can make it."
Late in the game, when the Coyotes (5-5) could no longer afford to give Lewis space around the perimeter, he simply drove to the basket.
Lewis had the Pioneers' last 15 points, including a beautiful running, right-handed floater while driving down the left side of the key, drawing the foul.
"He can get to the basket and shoot - if you try to take away that penetration, he's just going to shoot on you," Calabasas coach Jon Palarz said. "It was a very complete performance - we threw our best at him, but he was better."
Last season, Lewis was part of a triuumverate of high scorers, scoring 17.9 points per game aside teammates Lorne Jackson (22.9 ppg) and Mike Meza (20.0 ppg) for the 26-2Pioneers.
Now, Jackson and Meza are gone, and Lewis is alone.
But still home.
"Last year, he was ready to embrace the role," Simi
Valley coach Christian Aurand said. "He was more of a catch-and- shoot type guy, but tonight, he showed that he is creative."
Simi Valley (9-1), coming off a victory in the Crescenta Valley Falcon Classic and a win over Moorpark to open the Marmonte League season, flustered Calabasas' Evan Smith throughout the game. The Coyotes' embattled center committed two early offensive fouls and was limited to just 13 points.
"We were trying to cause some havoc with our press and trapping schemes, but the one thing you've got to be aware of his where he is on the floor," Aurand said. "The part where he's so good is going in and rebounding the ball, and I thought we did a good job of keeping him off the glass."
2008-09 BOYS' BASKETBALL PROSPECTUS
By Jacob H. Pollon, Special to the Daily News
Article Last Updated: 12/16/2008 10:41:52 PM PST
TOP 10
PLAYERS
BRAD LEWIS
Simi Valley, Sr., Guard
Lewis transferred from Royal of Simi Valley two years ago and is one of the best shooters in the region. Lewis had plenty of opportunitities last season as defenses keyed on Lorne Jackson and Michael Meza. Lewis hasn't skipped a beat so far this season, registering games of 30 points or more four times.
TOP 10 TEAMS
1. Taft (2-2)
2. Campbell Hall (4-0)
3. Golden Valley (4-0)
4. Harvard-Westlake (4-4)
5. Simi Valley (7-1)
6. Sylmar (3-1)
7. Cleveland (3-1)
8. Thousand Oaks (5-0)
9. Crespi (3-1)
10. Agoura
By Jacob H. Pollon, Special to the Daily News
Article Last Updated: 12/16/2008 10:41:52 PM PST
TOP 10
PLAYERS
BRAD LEWIS
Simi Valley, Sr., Guard
Lewis transferred from Royal of Simi Valley two years ago and is one of the best shooters in the region. Lewis had plenty of opportunitities last season as defenses keyed on Lorne Jackson and Michael Meza. Lewis hasn't skipped a beat so far this season, registering games of 30 points or more four times.
TOP 10 TEAMS
1. Taft (2-2)
2. Campbell Hall (4-0)
3. Golden Valley (4-0)
4. Harvard-Westlake (4-4)
5. Simi Valley (7-1)
6. Sylmar (3-1)
7. Cleveland (3-1)
8. Thousand Oaks (5-0)
9. Crespi (3-1)
10. Agoura
HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL
Top 25 boys' basketball rankings
The Times' high school basketball rankings
Top 25 boys' basketball rankings
The Times' high school basketball rankings
By Ben Bolch December 15, 2008
Rk.; Team (Record, Section); Lask week's results
1; MATER DEI (5-0, SS-Div. I-AA);
2; WESTCHESTER (9-0, City-Div. I)
3; FAIRFAX (5-0, City-Div. I)
4; KING (4-0, SS-Div. I-AA)
5; ETIWANDA (7-1, SS-Div. I-AA) ;
6; LEUZINGER (6-2, SS-Div. II-AA)
7; TAFT (3-1, City-Div. I)
8; PASADENA (5-3, SS-Div. I-AA)
9; CAMPBELL HALL (4-0, SS-Div. III-AA)
10; DOMINGUEZ (2-3, SS-Div. I-AA)
11; BISHOP MONT. (5-1, SS-Div. IV-AA)
12; WINDWARD (3-2, SS-Div. V-A)
13; SANTA MONICA (7-1, SS-Div. I-A
14; DIAMOND RANCH (3-1, SS-Div. III-A); Did not play. (13)
15; GOLDEN VALLEY (5-0, SS-Div. III-A); Def. Alta Loma, 72-71. (18)
16; SIMI VALLEY (7-1, SS-Div. II-A)
17; OCEAN VIEW (6-3, SS-Div. IV-AA)
18; PACIFIC HILLS (6-2, SS-Div. V-AA
19; RANCHO VERDE (6-3, SS-Div. I-AA
20; SERRA (6-3, SS-Div. IV-AA)
21; WEST VALLEY (5-3, SS-Div. I-A)
22; LONG BEACH JORDAN (7-1, SS-Div. I-AA
23; LOS ALAMITOS (4-1, SS-Div. I-AA)
24; ORA. LUTH (6-1, SS-Div. IV-A);
25; LOYOLA (6-2, SS-Div. II-A);
