After losing to Clemson in crushing last second fashion last Friday, Georgia Tech had a couple of winnable but dangerous games with Pittsburgh and Miami. Boston College was going to be a win, but was post-poned anyways.
The Jackets beat Pittsburgh last Sunday. Saturday was a tricky game against an undermanned Miami team, that still had wins over Louisville, Duke, and took Virginia Tech to OT.
Georgia Tech produced one of their best performances of the year with 87-60 not as close as it looks win. Coach Josh Pastner was subbing in deep into his bench with 10 minutes left in the game. Michael Devoe had 29 points and Jose Alvarado had 16. When both of these guards play well at the same time, Georgia Tech becomes a very tough out.
The Jackets now sit 11-8 (7-6). A slim, but realistic path exists for the Jackets to make into the the NCAA tournament for the first time under Josh Pastner.
Georgia Tech sits 61 in the NET rankings and 86 RPI according to WarranNolan.com, and 40 in the KemPom rankings.
These numbers will factor in, but I don’t think nearly as much as in years past. The schedules are too fluid and too un-balanced even in conference to make hard statements.
I believe the committee will weigh recent play, wins over NCAA teams, and conference record/standing even more than usual.
Georgia Tech has wins over certain NCAA teams Florida State and Clemson. UNC is likely to make it. With a finishing stretch against Virginia Tech, Syracuse, Duke, Wake Forest and likely a rescheduled Boston College game, Georgia Tech doesn’t need to win out. The ACC will work to have each ACC play each other at least once, as I understand so that BC game may get played.
A finish of 4-1 will have Georgia Tech 15-9 (11-7), and even without BC that’s 14-9 (10-7). Either finish will probably land the Jackets in the NCAA tournament.
A couple of losses for 14-10 (10-8) or 13-10 (9-8) will probably require at least 1 and possibly 2 ACC Tournament wins.
The path isn’t easy one. After today’s much needed win, despite the early OOC losses and late game fades, Georgia Tech controls their own destiny.
It doesn’t require a miracle either, but only a good solid stretch of basketball that Georgia Tech is capable of.
Their NCAA tournament bid is in their own hands and they can only blame themselves if they don’t make it.
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