Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs Jacksonville State Gamecocks Picks and Predictions March 18th 2025

Georgia Tech’s Momentum vs. Jacksonville State’s Shooting

Georgia Tech (17-16) is back in the postseason for the first time in four years and enters the NIT first round with plenty of confidence after finishing the season strong. The No. 4 seed Yellow Jackets have won eight of their last 12 games and now host Jacksonville State (22-12), which fell short in the Conference USA title game but earned an at-large bid to the tournament.

Both teams feature capable scoring options, but the matchup will likely be decided by Georgia Tech’s defensive intensity against Jacksonville State’s perimeter shooting. Evaluating College Basketball Picks for this game means considering whether Jacksonville State’s offense can execute against an ACC opponent or if Georgia Tech’s late-season form continues into the postseason.

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Georgia Tech Entering Postseason on a High Note

After a shaky start to the season, Georgia Tech found its rhythm late, earning quality wins over Louisville and Clemson before edging Virginia in the ACC Tournament. The Yellow Jackets ultimately fell to Duke in the quarterfinals but showed they can compete with top-tier teams.

Duncan Powell has been one of the main reasons for Georgia Tech’s late-season success. The forward dropped 24 points against Duke, including six 3-pointers, marking his fourth 20-point performance in the last six games. Powell’s emergence adds another scoring threat to an already balanced offense led by Lance Terry (14.5 PPG).

Defensively, Georgia Tech has been more disciplined in recent games, holding opponents under 70 points in five of its last eight contests. If the Yellow Jackets can carry that defensive intensity into this matchup, they should be able to limit Jacksonville State’s perimeter attack.

Jacksonville State Must Regain Shooting Form

Jacksonville State finished tied for second in Conference USA and reached the league’s championship game, but a 79-67 loss to Liberty denied them an automatic NCAA Tournament bid. Shooting struggles were a major issue in that game, as the Gamecocks hit just 43.6 percent from the field and struggled from the free-throw line (13-of-25).

Leading scorer Jaron Pierre Jr. (21.5 PPG) had 19 points against Liberty but was inefficient, making just 6-of-17 attempts. Pierre has been the focal point of Jacksonville State’s offense, and with 97 made 3-pointers this season, he will be a key factor in whether the Gamecocks can keep pace with Georgia Tech.

Another name to watch is Marcellus Brigham Jr., who has made five 3-pointers in his last two games after struggling from beyond the arc for much of the season. If Brigham can provide a secondary scoring option alongside Pierre, Jacksonville State could pose a legitimate challenge.

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Expert Prediction and Betting Insight

Georgia Tech’s experience against high-major competition and its late-season momentum give it an edge in this matchup. Jacksonville State’s perimeter shooting could make things interesting, but if Georgia Tech’s defense plays at the level it has in recent weeks, the Yellow Jackets should control the tempo.

The key to this game will be Jacksonville State’s efficiency from deep. If the Gamecocks get hot from beyond the arc, they could keep the game competitive. However, Georgia Tech’s balanced scoring and home-court advantage make them a strong pick to advance.

For bettors, the pace of play and Jacksonville State’s shooting percentage will be key factors in determining total points and spread plays. Before locking in wagers, consider our College Basketball Picks for more expert insights on this NIT showdown.