Georgetown at Virginia Tech (-1) - 4:00pm Pacific

Virginia Tech has played one of the toughest Big East schedules (at Pitt, at WVU, vs Miami, vs Notre Dame, at Seton Hall, vs UConn, at Syracuse, vs Providence) of any team.  There are seven teams in the Big East with below .500 records in conference play.  Virginia Tech has only played TWO of their eight conference games against these teams.  Georgetown meanwhile has played SIX of their nine against teams with a losing Big East conference record.  In addition to the ultra tough schedule, Virginia Tech had to play its first five conference games without the services of stat stuffing freshman guard Jamron Gordon.  Gordon ranks third on the team in scoring at 11.2ppg, first in assists at 4.7 per game, second in rebounding at 5.3 per game, and first in steals at 3.1 per game.  He returned to action three games ago and has started in last two (16.5ppg).  The Hokies come into this game having played three straight ranked opponents and put together their best performance of the season in big home win over Providence last time out.  Seventeen year old freshman forward Coleman Collins scored a career high 21 points and 9 rebounds in just his 12th career game (missed first 7 games of season).  Additionally, reserve guard Shawn Harris (22 minutes, 7.0ppg) returns today from a three game suspension.  The Hokies still have senior forward Brian Matthews (23.7ppg, 9.7rpg) to lean on as needed.

 

After starting 10-0, the Hoyas have lost 6 of 9 games.  I notched Georgetown as a go against road team early on in the season.  They are extremely young and really benefit from a home crowd to feed their pressure defense.  So far they are 1-3 in Big East road games, beating Miami 87-80 in their lone road win.  Despite playing 6 of 9 vs the Big East's worst teams, Georgetown is shooting just .404 from the field, allowing .459 from the field, and has a rebounding margin of -5.9 in conference play.

 

Hokies are coming off by far their biggest win of the season.  With all of their key players in tact and playing at home they are tough to beat.  Their schedule is much more favorable to end the season and the team has a very reachable goal of qualifying for the Big East tournament.  Give the -1.

 

Virginia Tech  1 UNIT