Georgia Tech vs. Syracuse Preview: Welcoming the Orange

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets have outperformed expectations, at least for some, in the early part of the season, and they will continue their ACC schedule with a home game against the Syracuse Orange on Wednesday evening. Unfortunately, Brian Gregory’s club did not begin conference play on a high note in the standings, as they dropped the conference opener to Notre Dame in double overtime on Saturday afternoon in South bend.

Still, the Jackets are playing quite well right now, and they displayed significant poise and ability during Saturday’s contest. Georgia Tech has a 9-4 record at this point in the year, and while that isn’t fantastic, there is only one real blemish on the slate (a home loss to USC-Upstate), with quality wins over Georgia, Vanderbilt and Northwestern (on the road).

Wednesday’s game is, admittedly, a step up in competition, even if this year’s Syracuse team does not appear to be dominant. The Orange are 10-4 on the year, but all four losses were against high-end competition, and our pals at KenPom have installed the visitors as a 1-point favorite, even in McCamish Pavilion.

This is a game that the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets can certainly win, however, and the result will likely hinge on how the young backcourt plays for Gregory’s team. The point guard situation is unsettled to say the least, and against a team that Syracuse that boasts significant length and a maddening defense, guard play can make all the difference.

Be sure to stay tuned to ATL All Day for updates throughout the day (follow us on twitter @ATLBeatBlog), and check back following the final buzzer for a full recap of the game.

Date: January 7, 2015

Tip-off Time: 7:00 pm ET

TV Channel: ESPNU

Radio: 680 AM, 93.7 FM (Atlanta Flagship), Full list of Local Affiliates

Live Stream: Watch ESPN (Click here)