Following big wins over North Carolina and Louisville, the Irish look to avoid a letdown with a visit to Georgia Tech. The Irish are one of seven teams in the ACC with at least nine league victories and one of those came at the expense of the Jackets earlier this season.
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HOW THE NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH CAN COVER THE SPREAD
The Irish’s road form has improved following their 1-8 record in league play during 2013-14. The Irish evened this season’s ACC road record at 3-3 following a Feb. 8 over Clemson. They play their next three on the road, starting with Saturday’s contest against the Jackets.
Notre Dame is hitting its stride with wins in eight of the last 10 games, a stretch that includes victories over three ranked opponents. Coach Mike Brey insists the experience his core players gained last season is invaluable. The Irish already proved they know how to finish strong down the stretch.
Behind the inside/outside tandem of guard Demetrius Jackson and forward Zach Auguste, the Irish boast the most efficient offense in the nation with an adjusted efficiency index of 125.2, a full 4.6 points higher than Duke. Jackson averages 16.6 points per game and Auguste is close behind at 14.0.
The Irish don’t waste possessions, which is a big reason for their success. They average just nine turnovers per game, which is the best mark in the country, and have the fewest total turnovers this season. A balanced attack with all five starters scoring in double figures makes them tough to defend.
HOW THE GEORGIA TECH YELLOW JACKETS CAN COVER THE SPREAD
Time after time this season, Georgia Tech hasn’t been able to pull out close wins. They did just that twice in their last three games, finally getting over the hump. Tech knocked off Wake Forest last week and upended Florida State Wednesday on the road.
One player Tech needs to have a big game is leading scorer Marcus Georges-Hunt, who averages 16.5 points per game and went off for 27 in the Florida State win. That effort came after he poured in a career-best 30 points against Wake Forest. It’s evident that if Georges-Hunt can have his way, Tech’s chances improve.
Notre Dame leads the ACC in field goal percentage and limiting second-chance opportunities is vital. Georgia Tech has outrebounded all but five opponents this season and the frontcourt of Charles Mitchell and Quinton Stephens need to be effective on the glass.
Georgia Tech’s previous 10 ACC games were decided by an average of 5.6 points, with a 14-point loss at Clemson the largest defeat of the season. The Jackets have played a number of close games this season, but have made enough plays down the stretch to win two of their last three.
ANALYSIS AND ODDS PREDICTION
Georgia Tech turned the tables with two close wins in its last three games, contests the Jackets had grown accustomed to losing over the past few seasons. One of those victories came over Wake Forest, a team with only one conference win, with the other over a floundering Florida State club. We can’t read too much into those victories, though they are nice for a Tech team that has struggled. We could say the Jackets have built up some momentum and confidence after those wins, and they probably have. But Notre Dame isn’t Wake Forest. The Irish are rolling with victories over North Carolina and Louisville as part of their three-game streak. The offense has been efficient all season and Jackson is one of the top point guards in the country. Look for Notre Dame to dissect Tech with its precision passing and shooting. Notre Dame will gladly let someone other than Georges-Hunt try and beat them. With him out of the equation, Tech doesn’t have enough to match the Irish.
Notre Dame 75, Georgia Tech 67
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