Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs Virginia Tech Hokies: Predictions, Odds and Roster Notes

Where: Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg, VA

When: Wednesday, February 13th at 8:00 PM EST

How (TV): The ACC Network, ESPN

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (Away)

Head Coach: Josh Pastner {Overall: 11-13 .458 W-L% | 3-8, 10th in ACC}

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets finished the inter-conference portion of their schedule with a respectable 8-5 record. A win over Wake Forest and a very close loss to Virginia Tech suggested that the Yellow Jackets might have the grit needed to put on a surprising run.

The opposite occurred however as the Yellow Jackets have gone 3-8 against ACC competition since 5 January 2019. Not only have the Yellow Jackets been losing consistently but they are outmatched, losing by double-digits in each of their losses.

They will look to avenge a loss to the Hokies when they take on Virginia Tech on the road. Jose Alvarado did his best to keep the Yellow Jackets in the game but it was all for naught. They were able to keep one of the country’s hottest shooting teams to 5-27 from three, but can’t expect the same to occur in their next game.

Virginia Tech Hokies (Home)

Head Coach: Buzz Williams {Overall: 18-5 .783 W-L% | 7-4, 6th in ACC}

Currently 22nd in the AP Top 25 the Virginia Tech Hokies started the season on an 11-1 run in inter-conference competition. Since their schedule moved over to all-ACC competition, the Hokies have lost some steam.

Against the ACC Virginia Tech is 7-4 which is good enough to rank them in the top 25. With wins over Notre Dame, Wake Forest, and NC State, Virginia Tech showed they can keep up with other stronger teams. Unfortunately they faltered against stronger competition in Virginia, North Carolina, and Louisville.

Virginia Tech took the win in the last match against the Yellow Jackets earlier this season. Ranked 8th in the country in offensive rating and 21st in defensive rating, the Hokies are a force to be reckoned with. While they shot poorly from three in their last match against the Yellow Jackets, a 15-point contribution from Ahmed Hill and a 14 point, 10 rebound double-double from Kerry Blackshear helped the Hokies steal a close win.

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Roster Notes

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets have no injuries of note.

Virginia Tech Hokies Roster Notes

F PJ Horne – 9 Feb 2019 – (Knee) will be out indefinitely.

G Justin Robinson – 3 Feb 2019 – (Foot) is out indefinitely.

G Chris Clarke – 7 Jan 2019 – (Suspension) is out for the season.

G Landers Nolley II – 7 Jan 2019 – (Eligibility) is out for the season.

Head-to-Head: Jose Alvarado (GT) vs Nickeil Alexander-Walker (VT)

Jose Alvarado

Guard | 6-0, 176lb (183cm, 79kg) | Christ The King Regional High School | Brooklyn, NY | Sophomore

11.7 PPG | 3.3 APG | 3.8 RPG | 1.9 SPG | 0.1 BPG | 2.4 TOV | .377 FG% | .277 3P%

Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Guard | 6-5, 205lb (196cm, 92kg) | Hamilton Heights Christian Academy | Toronto, ON, Canada | Sophomore

17.3 PPG | 3.6 APG | 4.3 RPG | 2.1 SPG | 0.5 BPG | 2.9 TOV | .515 FG% | .413 3P%

Two guards with similar leadership abilities but different physical games face off again in this ACC matchup. Sophomore playmaker Jose Alvarado will be looking for revenge against Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s Virginia Tech Hokies after a slim three-point loss in their last meeting.

Brooklyn native Jose Alvarado is leading a struggling Georgia Tech team as far as he can. Reminiscent of former Wichita State Shocker Fred Vanvleet, Alvardo is a capable distributor with a penchant for making the right pass at the right time. Despite his size, Alvarado’s defensive intensity is notable. His shooting has been off this year, but given an open opportunity he is sure to knock it down.

Brother of current Los Angeles Clippers guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nickeil is a basketball player in a similar mould. He is a big, versatile guard who at this point in his career is slight of frame. While he is shooting 60% from two and 45% from three, his attempt rate is sparse. More dependent on his athletic prowess, Nickeil-Alexander is a danger in the paint and even tougher when he is hitting from the outside.

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Virginia Tech Hokies Predictions and Odds

The odds makers have the Virginia Tech Hokies favoured over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets by 12, with an over/under of 110.