Louisville is back home for the first time in two weeks as the 6th ranked Cardinals host Georgia Tech at the Yum! Center on Wednesday night. Louisville improved its record to 15-3 overall and 6-1 in the ACC on Saturday with its win on the road at Duke. Georgia Tech is 8-10 and 3-5. Louisville leads the all time series 21-13. The Cards are 12-4 at home and have won 8 straight overall.
Georgia Tech beat NC State in the opening game of the season, but have just one top-100 win since. The Yellow Jackets are ineligible for the postseason in 2020 after violations that were announced this past fall. Michael Devoe leads the team in points (15.9), minutes (35.3), and is the only player shooting better than 34 percent from three (41.2). Moses Wright has been a breakout player in his third season, averaging 13.4 points and 7.8 rebounds. The 6-9 forward has been a key part of Tech’s impressive defense all season. Devoe is currently questionable for Wednesday’s game due to an unknown foot injury.
Despite rating as one of the worst power conference teams in the nation, Georgia Tech ranks 31st in adjusted defensive efficiency on KenPom. The Jackets aren’t going to turn you over a bunch, but they guard the perimeter and protect the rim once you get inside. It has been the offensive struggles that have held Georgia Tech back all season. They turn the ball over at a horrendous rate and shoot the ball as badly as anyone in the nation.
The Cards come into the matchup fresh off their most impressive win of the season. They led for nearly the entire game and proved that they can beat a top-5 caliber team on the road. David Johnson was the obvious breakout player of the day. Others like Malik Williams, Samuell Williamson, and Fresh Kimble put together some encouraging performances in a tough environment.
With David Johnson’s health confirmed, it’s hard not to be excited for whats to come after watching the Duke game. Louisville is currently tied for first in the conference and the schedule shapes up well for a run at a regular season title. With that said, games like these need to be won by big margins if you are serious about establishing yourself as a contender both nationally and in the ACC.
The game tips at 7:00 p.m. ET and will be broadcast regionally. It will be televised live on Fox Sports South in Louisville.
Prediction:
Louisville 81 Georgia Tech 57
