NCAAB Odds, Pick for Georgia Tech vs UMass

A couple east coast squads will be making quite the trek across the country and over to Hawaii's state capital of Honolulu. This will be the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets' final non-conference game, while the UMass Minutemen still have a home game vs. Siena scheduled for Dec. 30.

UMass has not played a difficult schedule by any measure thus far, so it will be interesting to see how they match up with a very average Georgia Tech team that is still the best opponent the Minutemen will face before Atlantic 10 conference play tips off.

After Josh Pastner was dismissed from the program following a disappointing tenure, Damon Stoudamire has stepped in and exceeded reasonable expectations for the Yellow Jackets. Georgia Tech suffered a home loss to UMass Lowell followed by a 35-point drubbing at the hands of Cincinnati in mid-November. Then, Stoudamire and the Yellow Jackets eased the tension among fans by beating Mississippi St. and stunning Duke at home. Although this game against UMass will not be at home where Georgia Tech has enjoyed most of its success this season, the Yellow Jackets have at least shown they can compete with stellar competition.

The surprising star of many of Georgia Tech's early victories has been a true freshman. Baye Ndongo has earned minutes and the trust of Stoudamire by playing with a toughness and physicality uncommon for 18-year-old players in today's college game. A huge factor in Georgia Tech's win over Duke was Ndongo's rebounding and physicality. UMass shouldn't have any issues with Ndongo's size given its ability to match up comfortably with senior Josh Cohen.

A mainstay for Georgia Tech has been junior guard Miles Kelly. Kelly's 6'6" frame gives him a height advantage in most matchups, creating an opportunity for post-ups. Kelly is still quick and nimble at only 180 pounds and plenty capable of keeping guards from getting downhill. The Yellow Jackets should have the backcourt advantage in this matchup vs. UMass.

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For UMass, this matchup with Georgia Tech is a clash of styles and preferences. The Minutemen love to play up-tempo, and rely on their offense to win games. In its three most recent games, UMass has allowed Towson to score 81, UMass Lowell to score 77 and West Virginia to put up 79. Georgia Tech isn't an imposing offensive team, but I wouldn't say any of the three teams just mentioned are scoring stalwarts either.

Coach Frank Martin's matchup advantage on paper will be the size and experience of his frontcourt. Martin has surely been pleased with his team's unselfishness, considering his team ranks in the top 10 in assist-to-turnover ratio. Martin's guards are happy to share the rock and have been feeding Josh Cohen and Matt Cross with consistency.

UMass will win this game if it can manage to speed the Yellow Jackets up and increase the possession count of the game. Georgia Tech loves to be able to set its defense after a made basket or dead ball. The Minutemen are not particularly known for their ability to force live-ball turnovers, but if they are able to disrupt Damon Stoudamire's team in that way, UMass could force Georgia Tech into a game that will be extremely uncomfortable for them.

While UMass seems to be on the ascent, this will be arguably its toughest test to date.

Far from home, I am leaning toward the more proven squad this season.

I expect Georgia Tech to finish the non-conference portion of its schedule in style by picking up a victory over UMass in Hawaii.

Pick: Georgia Tech +1.5 (Bet to PK)

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