Preview: Georgia Tech Visits Miami in ACC Clash

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (Interstat) — The surging Miami Hurricanes host the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in an Atlantic Coast Conference men’s basketball matchup Saturday at Watsco Center.

Miami (13-2, 2-0 ACC) enters on a seven-game winning streak, most recently edging Wake Forest 81-77 on the road Wednesday. The Hurricanes’ offense, averaging 89.1 points per game, is fueled by guard Tre Donaldson. The dynamic playmaker is averaging 17.8 points and 8.4 assists over his last five games, including a 21-point, 6-assist effort against the Demon Deacons.

Georgia Tech (10-6, 1-1) looks to rebound from a home loss to Syracuse, 82-72, on Tuesday. The Yellow Jackets’ fortunes often hinge on forward Baye Ndongo, who scored 20 points in that defeat. Ndongo has been a consistent force, posting a double-double (15 points, 11 rebounds) with five assists and three blocks in a late December win over Florida A&M.

The Hurricanes have dominated at home, winning all nine contests in Coral Gables this season by an average margin of 30.2 points. Their high-octane attack will test a Georgia Tech defense that allowed 82 points to Syracuse.

For the Yellow Jackets, containing Donaldson and the Miami transition game will be paramount. Support for Ndongo must come from guards like Kowacie Reeves and Lamar Washington, who combined for 20 points and eight assists against Syracuse.

This game marks the only regular-season meeting between the teams. Miami’s depth and home-court advantage present a significant challenge for a Georgia Tech squad seeking a resume-building road victory in conference play.

The Hurricanes hit the road for two games next week, at Notre Dame and Clemson. Georgia Tech returns home to host Pittsburgh on Jan. 14.