The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (9-7, 2-1 ACC) visit Pittsburgh to play the Panthers (8-9, 0-4 ACC) in a game that will likely be low scoring. The game starts at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 13, 2018.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs. Pittsburgh Panthers Free Prediction
In the Yellow Jackets’ last matchup, they beat the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 60-53. Georgia Tech’s 29.4 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over Notre Dame, who had a mark of 23.7. The Yellow Jackets’ mark was below their season average of 31.4, while the Fighting Irish’s was below their season average of 29.8. Georgia Tech was led by Ben Lammers, who put up 10 points and 10 rebounds.
The Panthers lost big to the No. 7 Duke Blue Devils in their last outing, 87-52. Duke’s turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Pittsburgh. The Blue Devils had a rate of 7.7 (better than their season average of 13.1), while the Panthers posted a mark of 19.8 (above the 14.4 mark opponents have averaged against Duke this season). With 17 points on 7-for-17 shooting, Jared Wilson-Frame was the game’s leading scorer.
Pittsburgh might have trouble finding the bottom of the net as they clash against one of the NCAA’s best defenses. Georgia Tech currently ranks 54th in defensive efficiency, while the Panthers rank 299th in offensive efficiency. Additionally, the Yellow Jackets, who rank 43rd in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.287), will go head-to-head against the Panthers, who rank 39th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.184).
Lammers has averaged 12.2 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.4 blocks and 1.4 steals over the last five games for Georgia Tech.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the last matchup, the Panthers won 61-59. Pittsburgh’s free throw rate was their largest strength over Georgia Tech. The Panthers had a rate of 0.241, while the Yellow Jackets posted a mark of 0.177.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Pittsburgh Panthers Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Pittsburgh, ATS Winner – Pittsburgh, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Pittsburgh ranks 86th in three pointers attempted per game (24.0) while Georgia Tech ranks 277th (14.6).
The Yellow Jackets rank 47th in steals per game (7.6) while the Panthers rank 189th (4.8).
Georgia Tech ranks 22nd in blocks per game (5.4) while Pittsburgh ranks 103rd in blocks allowed per game (3.8).
The Panthers rank 138th in assists per game (13.5) while the Yellow Jackets rank 168th in assists allowed per game (14.4).
Bettings Trends:
The Yellow Jackets’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.2, up from 3.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Panthers have scored an average of 57.2 points per game (9.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 74.2 points per game (3.3 above their season average).
