The Georgia Bulldogs (6-4) search for their first true road win of the season as they travel to Atlanta to take on in-state rival Georgia Tech.
The Bulldogs bounced back from a heartbreaking loss to Arizona State with a win over Oakland on Tuesday. The Yellow Jackets (6-4) are having a roller coaster week after falling to Gardner Webb on Monday and then bouncing back with a road win at Arkansas on Wednesday.
The matchup against the Bulldogs will be their third game of the week and fatigue could play a huge factor for the Yellow Jackets, who play a tight rotation.
With two teams who have not fared well in the non-conference slate, this is a huge game for both squads.
The Yellow Jackets look to continue to build momentum and pick up back to back wins over SEC schools. On the other side, the Bulldogs have an opportunity to achieve a monumental feat.
The senior class for the Bulldogs will finish their careers 4-0 against the Yellow Jackets with a win in Atlanta.
Keys to Victory for Georgia Tech
Implement a successful 1-3-1 Zone
Georgia Tech gave Arkansas fits on Wednesday night with their pesky 1-3-1 zone. Georgia has similar personnel to Arkansas and it would not be surprising if the Yellow Jackets went with this defensive style again.
If Josh Pastner’s team slows down the production of the Georgia frontcourt, then the Bulldogs’ chances will lie in the hands of Teshaun Hightower and Tyree Crump.
Score out in transition
The Yellow Jackets have struggled at times to score this season, and they will need to turn the Bulldogs over to win this game.
Forcing live ball turnovers will lead to easy buckets on the other end of the floor. Georgia is averaging 17 turnovers per game and has been sloppy with the basketball.
Georgia Tech’s Jose Alvarado and Michael Devoe are both averaging 1.8 steals per game.
For the Yellow Jackets to win this game, those two guys will have to force turnovers and successfully run out in the open floor.
Keys to victory for Georgia
Slow down Jose Alvarado
The sophomore point guard has been a solid operator for the Yellow Jackets.
Alvarado has been arguably the most important player for his team this season. He is averaging 14.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.8 steals per game.
He may not be the most polished player but he is a tough and gritty competitor. He is most effective when driving towards the rim.
The key to stopping Alvarado will be staying in front of him. Even when he is not scoring, he creates open looks for his teammates inside and on the perimeter.
It will take a team effort for the Bulldogs to slow him down.
Get to the Free Throw Line
The Bulldogs are the bigger and stronger team in this matchup. They need to use their size with Claxton, Hammonds, and Ogbeide to exploit the Yellow Jackets’ interior defense.
Georgia is getting to the charity stripe 24 times per game and shooting 71 percent from the line.
With the Yellow Jackets lack of depth in the frontcourt, getting a guy like James Banks in foul trouble could be a difference maker.
The Bulldogs need to be aggressive and on the attack with Hammonds and Hightower.
Wells’ Prediction
With McCamish Pavilion sold out, I anticipate this to be a loud and difficult atmosphere for the road team Bulldogs.
Georgia Tech is coming off a huge road win at Arkansas and will ride that momentum heading into this contest.
The noon start may slow down the offenses of both teams. I anticipate this to be an ugly game because both teams have struggled with taking care of the basketball this season. The pace of this game will favor the Yellow Jackets.
Georgia Tech’s James Banks will have a productive day and complete his fifth double-double of the season.
However, Rayshaun Hammonds is going to be the difference in this game. Georgia’s swingman has elevated his game in his sophomore campaign and will be the offensive spark that carries the Bulldogs to victory.
Hammonds will finish with 26 points and make a couple of key plays down the stretch to give his team their first true road win of the season.
Prediction: Georgia 68, Georgia Tech 63