VT vs. GT Preview

It has been a season of heartbreak and tough losses for the Virginia Tech Men’s Basketball team in the debut season of Buzz Williams. The Hokies (9-14, 1-9) have simply had a lot of trouble winning close games and have had many games where they outplayed the opposition, but were unable to close with a win.

However, with the struggles, the undersized Hokies have shown a great amount of intensity and competitiveness in every game this season. Competing in one of the most elite conferences in the nation, the Hokies have gone down to the wire with strong ACC programs like Florida State, Syracuse, and Virginia. Despite the Hokies’ weak record, teams now they are in for a dogfight when the walk into Cassell Coliseum.

That is where the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets will be on Monday night. The Yellow Jackets (11-12, 2-9) have had a very similar season to the Hokies, losing five ACC games by less than five points, including two overtime losses. They are coming off an impressive 73-59 win over Wake Forest, and are eager to build more momentum as they continue with their ACC schedule.

The game is slated for 9 PM at Cassell Coliseum and the Hokies hope there will be a raucous crowd to help them fight for their second ACC victory. The Hokies are coming off three losses in a row by single digits and really need a win on Monday night to spark them on their three-game road trip. The Hokies will need more strong performances from their backcourt to compete with the Yellow Jackets.

Guard Adam Smith has now recorded double-digit scoring in five games in a row and is shooting 43.4% from behind the arc. With the struggle of the Hokies to score in the paint, Smith will need to continue this hot shooting for the Hokies to continue to compete in the ACC.

Guard Ahmed Hill has also stepped up for the Hokies scoring double-digits in three of the last four games, including 19 points against Florida State on Saturday to lead the Hokies.

The Yellow Jackets are led by forward Marcus Georges-Hunt who averages 13.9 points and 5.7 rebounds per game.

The game on Monday night should definitely be exciting, and Cassell Coliseum will surely hold an electric atmosphere. With all of the close games these two teams have played, this one will likely go right down to the wire. Hopefully the Hokies can pull out a close one.

Prediction: Virginia Tech-60 Georgia Tech-57