Georgia Tech vs. Pittsburgh prediction and odds for ACC Tournament second round

Georgia Tech rallied to beat Florida State in the final second of the game on Tuesday afternoon to advance to the ACC Tournament second round.

However, the Yellow Jackets face a big step up in class against an NCAA Tournament hopeful in Pittsburgh. The Panthers won the first two meetings in the regular season, but stumbled down the stretch of the regular season, losing their last two. While they are likely in the field of 68, a loss here could create an uncomfortable conversation around Jeff Capel’s team and if it will make the tourney.

Let’s see if Pitt can avoid a landmine in Georgia Tech and advance to the ACC quarterfinals.

Georgia Tech vs. Pittsburgh odds, spread and total

Georgia Tech vs. Pittsburgh prediction and pick

Pitt made waves in an underwhelming ACC with a six game winning streak in January and February, but the team has come back to Earth over the last few weeks, losing three of five. While one of those wins came at home against Georgia Tech, that was a competitive game throughout in which the Yellow Jackets stayed within the number the whole time, losing 76-68 as 11.5-point underdogs.

The issue has been Pitt’s defense that is bottom 100 in effective field goal percentage over the last month and is sending teams to the free throw line at a bottom 60 rate in that time span. Both meetings between the two were grinding affairs, 61 and 63 possessions respectively, so there won’t be many opportunities for the Panthers to pull away if they are sending the Yellow Jackets to the free throw line.

Further, both teams are three-point reliant groups, but Georgia Tech’s zone defense is far better at defending the perimeter. Over the last month, Pitt has allowed teams to shoot over 38% from beyond the arc while Georgia Tech has allowed teams to shoot 28%, which checks in as the 16th lowest mark in the country. As well, GT is shooting nearly 40% from beyond the arc while sporting a top 10 turnover rate in the country.

Georgia Tech covered their last seven games to close the season over the last month before failing to cover the 2.5-point spread against Florida State on Tuesday. I can’t look past the recent form of each team in a game where the possessions will be limited and one team is far better at defending the other teams strengths.

I like the Yellow Jackets to keep this one close.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.