Georgia Tech's basketball team is back in the postseason NIT for the first time in four years, as they prepare to face Jacksonville State on March 19, 2025. Fresh off a competitive showing against the No. 1 Duke Blue Devils in the ACC tournament, where they unexpectedly took a double-digit lead, the Yellow Jackets are looking to build on this momentum.
After a shaky start to the season, Georgia Tech’s late-season push saw them win eight out of their last 12 games. Coach Damon Stoudamire expressed his pride in the team's growth: "You have to crawl before you can walk. The goal is to win ACC Championships and play in the NCAA Tournament, but the NIT is a big first step." This tournament provides an opportunity for the Yellow Jackets to showcase their development at a national level.
The Yellow Jackets, seeded No. 4 in the NIT, are led by their star forward, Duncan Powell, who shined in the ACC tournament matchup against Duke, scoring 24 points and hitting six critical three-pointers. With an average of 12.1 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, Powell has emerged as a vital scoring option along with fellow forward Baye Ndongo, who averages 13.7 points and 9.1 rebounds. Ndongo's defense and rebounding will be key as they head into this tournament.
Jacksonville State, boasting a 22-12 record, enters the NIT after narrowly missing an NCAA bid by losing 79-67 to Liberty in the Conference USA championship game. Despite their disappointment, they earned an at-large spot in the NIT, giving them another chance to prove their mettle. They are led by Jaron Pierre Jr., a redshirt senior guard who averages an impressive 21.5 points per game, making him the fourth leading scorer in the nation. His ability to score quickly has earned him the title of Conference USA Player of the Year, the first Gamecock to achieve this milestone. Pierre's hot shooting will be essential for Jacksonville State as they look to exploit Georgia Tech's defensive strategy.
Jacksonville's coach, Ray Harper, has also garnered accolades this season, being named the Gene Bartow Coach of the Year for leading the Gamecocks to their second seed in the Conference USA tournament. As they prepare to face Georgia Tech, Harper's strategic adjustments will be crucial, particularly in regaining their shooting form to keep pace with the Yellow Jackets. "We need to execute better on both ends of the court to make this a competitive matchup," Harper commented.
The matchup offers a compelling duel between two well-matched teams that have shown their strengths and weaknesses throughout the season. For Georgia Tech, their defensive intensity will be pivotal in limiting Jacksonville's perimeter shooting, which was a crucial factor in their championship game loss. The Yellow Jackets managed to hold their opponents under 70 points in five of their last eight outings, showcasing a recent improvement in their defensive discipline.
The NIT serves as a significant opportunity for both teams, especially for Georgia Tech as they work to establish their identity heading into the next season. While an NCAA berth remains the ultimate goal, performing well in the NIT can yield invaluable experience for younger players and set the tone for the future. Georgia Tech's ESPN BPI gives the Yellow Jackets an 81% chance of winning against Jacksonville State, but coach Stoudamire knows that anything can happen in a tournament setting.
This contest also presents a platform for talent evaluation. Should Jaron Pierre Jr. ignite his scoring while Duncan Powell continues his hot streak, expect a thrilling battle on the court. With college basketball showing its final acts for the year, this match promises excitement and intensity that fans of both teams have longed for. As the postseason unfolds, forecasts become reality, showcasing not just the skills on the court but the determination of players and coaching strategies that will define the moment.
As the clock counts down to tip-off, excitement builds for this pivotal matchup. Fans are not just supporting their teams but also witnessing the continuation of their coaching legacies and exploring the narratives of the athletes who grace the court. Georgia Tech is poised to make a splash, so the question remains: how will they channel the lessons learned from their ups and downs this season into a successful NIT run? Only time will tell as they face off against Jacksonville State and seek to carve their name back into the spotlight of college basketball.
