Mahmoud posts another big game at Ga. Tech

ATLANTA - Maybe it's because he's an engineering major, or possibly because he has some history here.

Whatever it is, Anas Mahmoud and Georgia Tech's rims get along like peanut butter and jelly.

The 7-foot junior on ninth-ranked Louisville has played at Georgia Tech's McCamish Pavilion three times in his college career. He is 12-of-16 from the field in those games, with 27 points, including a career-high 15 last season. He also has nine rebounds, three blocks and two assists total.

Mahmoud was a key factor in U of L's 65-50 win Saturday at Georgia Tech, compiling 10 points, five rebounds and two blocks.

"I was recruited by Georgia Tech. Maybe they still like me, I don't know," Mahmoud said.

MORE U OF L COVERAGE
►Greer: Win over Georgia Tech more important than it looks
►Cards drop Georgia Tech for first ACC win
►UPS delivers for U of L on weird travel day
►U of L's Adel injured at Georgia Tech

This time, though, Mahmoud's strong performance didn't come seemingly out of thin air. Since U of L coach Rick Pitino put him in the starting lineup for the win over Indiana, Mahmoud has averaged 8.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.7 blocks, 1.3 assists and one steal over three games.

He has made 12 of his past 18 shots and he has now collected at least two blocks in each of the six games since returning from a concussion.

But Mahmoud is so comfortable at Georgia Tech, teammate Donovan Mitchell said, that he even tries the move that NBA Hall of Fame center Hakeem Olajuwon made famous when he gets the chance.

"He loves it here," Mitchell said. "He did that Dream Shake last year, and he did it again this year. He loves to play and he's doing real well and we're proud of him."