Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Picks and Predictions March 8th 2025

Demon Deacons Desperate for Momentum Ahead of ACC Tournament

With four losses in their last six games, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (20-12, 12-7 ACC) find themselves teetering on the wrong side of the NCAA Tournament bubble. As they prepare for their regular-season finale against the surging Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (16-14, 10-9 ACC) on Saturday in Winston-Salem, N.C., the stakes couldn’t be higher.

A victory could secure Wake Forest the No. 4 seed in the ACC Tournament, which would grant them a coveted double bye into the quarterfinals. However, a loss—especially following their worst defeat of the season—could significantly damage their postseason hopes.

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Wake Forest Looking for a Bounce-Back After Duke Blowout

The Demon Deacons enter this game fresh off a humbling 93-60 loss to No. 2 Duke, where they were completely overwhelmed. Duke’s length and defensive intensity shut down Wake Forest’s top scoring threats—Hunter Sallis and Cameron Hildreth—limiting them to a combined 3-of-17 shooting for just nine points.

“We got manhandled tonight by a team that played really, really well,” Wake Forest head coach Steve Forbes admitted after the loss.

With their NCAA Tournament future uncertain, the Demon Deacons need to respond with urgency. The team will honor five seniors before tip-off, including their top four scorers:

• Hunter Sallis (18.2 PPG)
• Cameron Hildreth (14.9 PPG)
• Tre’Von Spillers (10.0 PPG)
• Efton Reid III (8.9 PPG)

Senior Night provides an emotional boost, but Wake Forest must back it up with execution against a Georgia Tech squad playing its best basketball of the season.

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Georgia Tech Peaking at the Right Time

While Wake Forest is struggling, Georgia Tech enters Saturday’s matchup riding a wave of momentum. The Yellow Jackets have won seven of their last nine games, including an emphatic 89-74 victory over Miami on Tuesday.

Senior guard Lance Terry led the charge with a career-high 31 points in his final home game, highlighting the confidence and form that Georgia Tech carries into the regular-season finale.

“I haven’t seen a group grow that much from Christmas to the end of the year as much as this group,” said Georgia Tech head coach Damon Stoudamire.

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Key Players to Watch

Wake Forest X-Factors

• Hunter Sallis & Cameron Hildreth: The backcourt duo must bounce back from their poor showing against Duke and set the offensive tone.
• Tre’Von Spillers: His inside presence will be crucial in neutralizing Georgia Tech’s emerging frontcourt dominance.

Georgia Tech’s Game-Changers

• Baye Ndongo (F, 6’9”): Over the last nine games, Ndongo has been dominant in the paint, averaging 18.3 points and 12.8 rebounds.
• Naithan George (G): The sophomore guard has been electric, averaging 22.2 PPG in the first five games of Georgia Tech’s 7-2 run. His passing has been just as impressive, as he recently became the first Yellow Jacket in 18 years to record double-digit assists in consecutive games.
• Lance Terry: Coming off a career performance, Terry’s scoring ability will test Wake Forest’s defense.

Tactical Breakdown: How Wake Forest Can Win

• Limit Turnovers: Georgia Tech thrives in transition, and Wake Forest must take care of the basketball to control the tempo.
• Attack the Interior: Georgia Tech’s defense has struggled against aggressive inside play. Look for Wake Forest to utilize Spillers and Reid in the paint.
• Perimeter Defense: The Demon Deacons must contain George and Terry, who have been lights-out from three-point range.

What’s at Stake?

• Wake Forest: A win keeps their NCAA Tournament hopes alive and secures a higher seed in the ACC Tournament. A loss could push them to the brink of elimination.
• Georgia Tech: While not in the NCAA Tournament conversation, the Yellow Jackets are surging at the right time and could play spoiler. They also have a chance to improve their ACC Tournament seeding.

Final Thoughts

Wake Forest faces a must-win scenario against one of the hottest teams in the ACC. With Senior Night emotions running high and tournament implications on the line, the Demon Deacons must bring their best effort to secure a much-needed victory.

Will Wake Forest rise to the occasion, or will Georgia Tech’s momentum prove too much to handle? Saturday’s showdown will provide the answer.