Georgia Tech vs FSU: 2021 ACC Tournament game preview, TV schedule
Riddled with unexpected twists and turns, the rollercoaster that has been the ACC tournament this year now reaches its end with Florida State set to take on Georgia Tech.
TV Schedule: Saturday, March 13, 8:30 pm ET. ESPN
Arena: Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, NC
Although most expected Florida State and Georgia Tech to make runs and contend for the ACC title this postseason, very few expected the tournament’s surrounding games to play out as they did. After nailing a three-pointer at the buzzer to burry Syracuse’s near-upset during the quarterfinals, the Virginia Cavaliers entered as favorites to defeat Georgia Tech the next day and move into the conference’s championship game. However, COVID-19 had other plans.
Virginia returned several positive tests a few hours prior to tip-off, leading to their disqualification and Georgia Tech’s consequential ascension to the title game. Having earned two first-round byes in addition to an eventual victory by forfeit, the Yellow Jackets enter the tournament’s final round having played only one game, narrowly defeating Miami 70-66.
A similar narrative fell before the Seminoles as well, who played just one game themselves after positive COVID-19 tests ended Duke’s season, defeating an incredibly hot North Carolina team last night 69-66.
When these two squads faced off in January, the Yellow Jackets walked away victorious after playing some astute defense while also moving the ball very well offensively. But as we all know, that was months ago, with both teams having evolved since.
During their bout with Miami, Georgia Tech let it fly from deep, and it certainly paid off as they went 7/15 while overcoming a second-half deficit. During a tough game for ACC Player of the Year Moses Wright, Jordan Usher stepped up big, scoring 13 of his 15 points during the second period.
But last night the Seminoles really showed their grit even while struggling to play cleanly, turning the ball over 18 times. They crashed the boards at a very high rate against one of the nation’s best rebounding teams. Additionally, Balsa Koprivica came up big with a season-high 17 points, going 7/11 from the field.
Florida State’s improved rebounding though seems like the x-factor for this championship contest. As the conference’s worst rebounding team, the Yellow Jackets look undeniably vulnerable against a team that again, just went toe-to-toe on the glass against UNC. Meanwhile, where Georgia Tech excelled against Miami earlier this week, Florida State stands as no pushover themselves. While leading the ACC in three-point percentage, when the ‘Noles chose to attack from downtown, they rarely miss.
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Although the Yellow Jackets enter as the more rested team, too many factors appear likely to fall Florida State’s way. As a recently proven strong rebounding team with the ability to really make it rain from downtown, chances are Leonard Hamilton’s squad cuts down the nets tonight in Greensboro.