Northwestern Wilcats vs Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Picks and Predictions December 15th 2024

Georgia Tech meets Northwestern, seeks first road win of season

Georgia Tech’s Yellow Jackets are looking to notch their first road win of the season as they face the Northwestern Wildcats in a non-conference clash on Sunday afternoon. The game is part of the MKE Tip-Off, a tripleheader hosted at Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum, home of the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks.

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Game Context and Stakes

This high-stakes matchup offers both teams an opportunity to solidify their early-season narratives. Georgia Tech (4-5) is coming off two consecutive road losses, while Northwestern (7-3) enters the contest fresh from a morale-boosting 70-66 overtime win against Illinois, a victory that knocked the Illini out of the AP Top 25.

Both teams aim to improve their records heading into the heart of their respective conference schedules. For Georgia Tech, a road win could spark much-needed momentum, while Northwestern hopes to build on its solid start.

Georgia Tech: Aiming for Growth

Georgia Tech is in search of consistency. The Yellow Jackets have faced formidable opponents recently, including ranked teams Oklahoma and North Carolina. Despite narrow losses, head coach Damon Stoudamire remains optimistic about his team’s growth.

“Most people think you either win or lose… but I think in our case, we either win or we learn,” Stoudamire said. “We’re right there in games. A couple of things we’ve got to clean up, and that’s the excitement I have going into this game.”

Key Players to Watch

• Lance Terry leads the Yellow Jackets with 15.4 points per game, showcasing his scoring prowess.
• Baye Ndongo contributes significantly on both ends, averaging 13.4 points and 7.9 rebounds.
• Javian McCollum, a transfer from Oklahoma, has been sidelined due to a concussion since November 23. However, Stoudamire is hopeful for his return on Sunday, citing the value of McCollum’s veteran presence and shooting ability.

Challenges

The Yellow Jackets have struggled to close games against tough opponents, an issue Stoudamire is keen to address. With McCollum potentially back, Georgia Tech could benefit from added depth and leadership as they aim to secure their first win on the road.

Northwestern: Building Momentum

Northwestern has shown resilience throughout the season, with all three of its losses coming by a combined eight points. Their ability to compete in tight games, even against strong opponents, has been a hallmark of their success.

“You’re playing really good teams, and some nights they’re going to beat you in a close game,” said Northwestern head coach Chris Collins. “You just can’t let it trigger into two, three, or four losses.”

Key Players to Watch

• Nick Martinelli leads the Wildcats with an impressive 20.8 points per game, shooting 53% from the field and grabbing 6.6 rebounds.
• Brooks Barnhizer is a dominant force on the boards, averaging 19.7 points and 8.8 rebounds.
• Jalen Leach provides a reliable third scoring option, contributing 14.3 points per game.

Strengths

The Wildcats’ balanced attack and poise in close contests have made them a formidable opponent. Their recent overtime win against Illinois showcased their ability to handle pressure and secure crucial victories.

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Historical Matchup

The teams last met in 2018, with Northwestern emerging victorious. The Wildcats currently lead the all-time series 3-2, adding an extra layer of intrigue to Sunday’s showdown.

Keys to the Game

For Georgia Tech:

1. Limit Turnovers: Mistakes in crunch time have cost the Yellow Jackets in recent matchups.
2. Utilize Depth: If McCollum returns, his shooting and veteran leadership could make a significant impact.
3. Dominate the Paint: Baye Ndongo’s rebounding and inside scoring will be critical against Northwestern’s physical frontcourt.

For Northwestern:

1. Stay Balanced: Leveraging their multi-faceted offense led by Martinelli and Barnhizer is crucial.
2. Control the Tempo: Northwestern thrives when they dictate the pace and capitalize on scoring opportunities.
3. Defend the Perimeter: With Terry and potentially McCollum on the court, stopping Georgia Tech’s shooters will be essential.

Game Predictions

Northwestern’s consistency and ability to execute in tight situations give them the edge in this matchup. However, if Georgia Tech can harness their potential and avoid costly mistakes, they have the tools to pull off an upset.

Conclusion

This matchup at the MKE Tip-Off is more than just a mid-season game—it’s a test of resilience for Georgia Tech and a chance for Northwestern to maintain their strong start. As both teams eye crucial wins, expect a competitive and tightly contested battle in Milwaukee.