Pitt vs Georgia Tech: Game Info, Odds, Three Storylines

The Pitt Panthers have little to gain but tons to lose against Georgia Tech.

PITTSBURGH -- A stinging loss against Virginia Tech on the road set the Pitt Panthers back and they can't afford to suffer another loss this week when they host Georgia Tech at the Petersen Events Center. Pitt is still safely in the NCAA Tournament picture and in position for a top-four seed in the ACC Tournament. A loss to the cellar-dwelling Yellow Jackets wouldn't help either of those situations. 

Game Info

Opponent: Georgia Tech (11-16 overall, 3-13 ACC)
Time: 7:00 PM EST
Location: Petersen Events Center; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Broadcast: ACC Network and 93.7 The Fan

Odds

The Panthers are 11.5-point favorites over the Yellow Jackets at home. Pitt's moneyline odds are at -642 and Georgia Tech can be had for +454. The point total line has been set at 138. 

Three Storylines

Yellow Jackets Trending Up

Georgia Tech muddled through a 1-12 start to ACC play this year that included a loss to lowly Louisville, one of the worst Power 5 teams in recent memory. But as of late, this team is trending up. Josh Pastner's squad has won three of its last four games, playing NC State close on the road and notching victories over Notre Dame, Virginia Tech and a nonconference opponent, Florida Tech. 

The Yellow Jackets have recorded an offensive efficiency rating above 100 in each of those four games and a defensive efficiency below 100 in each contest. They are taking care of the ball and shooting from outside better, but the lack of an inside presence remains an issue. They still give up lots of offensive rebounds despite boasting some strong first-shot defense. 

Comforts of Home

Pitt is back at the Petersen Events Center for this contest. While they have been one of the better teams in the conference on the road this season, no one in the ACC likes playing away from home. That's good for the Panthers because both of their games this week come inside the friendly confines of the Pete. 

Pitt averages 76 points per game and has won 12 of 15 inside the Petersen Events Center this season, compared to just 72 points per game and a 7-5 record on the road.

Eyes on the Defense

Pitt scored 72 points, shot 46.7% from the field and committed fewer than 10 turnovers for just the ninth time in 27 games in the loss to Virginia Tech. Don't let the 3-18 mark from 3-point range fool you - they scored enough to win, but their lacking defense was what cost them a victory, according to Jeff Capel. They'll need to tighten up to avoid a late-season collapse. 

Jeff Capel alluded to an essential truth about this #Pitt team today: the Panthers can play offense as well as just about anyone in college basketball, but unless the defense tightens up, a successful season will end early and in disappointment. https://t.co/uYHtaprnca

— stephen thompson (@stephenethom) February 20, 2023

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