The No. 9 Virginia Tech Hokies (13-1, 2-0 ACC) visit Georgia Tech to take on the Yellow Jackets (9-5, 1-0 ACC) in a matchup that pits outstanding offense against stifling defense. The game will air on ACC Network at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 9, 2019.
Virginia Tech Hokies at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Free Prediction
The Hokies come in on a high note after blowing out the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs in their last outing, 87-59. The Hokies had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (35.5 vs. 15.4) and had a much better turnover percentage (21.9 vs. 34.8). With 21 points on 8-for-15 shooting, Nickeil Alexander-Walker was the top scorer from either team.
In the Yellow Jackets’ previous game, they had no trouble getting past the Lamar Cardinals, 88-69. Georgia Tech’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Lamar. The Yellow Jackets had a rate of 0.603, while the Cardinals posted a mark of 0.425. With 14 points and five assists, Georgia Tech’s Jose Alvarado played well.
After the Hokies won the lone contest against the Yellow Jackets last season, 76-56, these teams will clash for the first time this year. The Hokies had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.604 vs. 0.400) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (50.0 vs. 40.5).
Justin Robinson and Alexander-Walker have played at a high level over the last five games for Virginia Tech. Robinson has averaged 0 points per game. Not to be outdone, Alexander-Walker has put up 0 points a game during that span.
Baskets could be hard to come by as a pair of the country’s premier defenses square off. Georgia Tech ranks 15th in defensive efficiency (89.5) and Virginia Tech is eighth (88.6).
Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Odds Pick
Free Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Virginia Tech, ATS Winner – Georgia Tech, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Georgia Tech ranks 32nd in three pointers allowed per game (19.4) while Virginia Tech ranks 223rd (26.0).
The Hokies rank ninth in steals allowed per game (4.6) while the Yellow Jackets rank 142nd (7.3).
Georgia Tech ranks 14th in blocks per game (5.4) while Virginia Tech ranks 134th (2.6).
The Hokies rank sixth in rebounds allowed per game (28.9) while the Yellow Jackets rank 88th (33.8).
Virginia Tech ranks 16th in assists per game (17.6) while Georgia Tech ranks 80th in assists allowed per game (12.1).
Bettings Trends:
The Hokies’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 21.8, down from 23.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Yellow Jackets have scored an average of 71.4 points per game (1.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 57.4 points per game (5.7 below their season average).
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