Maryland vs. Georgia Tech: Jordan Williams regains his form as Terps prevail, 74-63

ATLANTA - They couldn't hit jump shots. They couldn't hit layups, either.

But the Maryland Terrapins found a way to win - and an improbable one, at that - scoring roughly one-third of their points from the free throw line Sunday to defeat Georgia Tech, 74-63, on its home court.

With the victory at Alexander Memorial Coliseum, where Georgia Tech had yet to lose a conference game this season, Maryland (14-7, 4-3) finally nudged its ACC record above .500 after an 0-2 start.

It was the Terps' second decisive victory on the road in the last four days. And it served notice in this topsy-turvy ACC season, with No. 3 Duke getting thrashed earlier in the day by unranked St. John's, that Maryland, for all its offensive shortcomings, intends to be a force down the stretch of the college basketball season, or go down swinging.

"That's huge for us," senior forward Dino Gregory said. "Our goal is to be 13-3 in the ACC, so we're on our way."

The game also served as redemption for sophomore center Jordan Williams, who made an emphatic start on a new streak of double-doubles - his school record of 13 consecutive was snapped Thursday at Virginia - by scoring a game-high 21 points and grabbing 15 rebounds.

Williams scored the game's first three baskets and was a force on defense, as well.

"That was definitely important to get my momentum going and my confidence back," Williams said. "The last game, I couldn't get into the rhythm of the game. I only had five shots and only made two. So it was good to get back my swag a little bit."

Georgia Tech (10-10, 3-4) never led but tied the score twice. Because of the Yellow Jackets' proficiency from three-point range, the contest was tense throughout, with the Terps mindful that a few long-range buckets could erase a deficit quickly.

Georgia Tech did just that with 3 minutes 34 seconds remaining, slashing what had been a 13-point Maryland lead to four (65-61).

Maryland pulled away not with artful shot-making but with its relentless press defense that forced Georgia Tech into 18 turnovers and rash, almost desperate shooting down the stretch.

Maryland Coach Gary Williams made no apologies for his team's gritty approach.