Virginia Tech Takes On Georgia Tech After 17-Day COVID-19 Hiatus

Jackson Didlake

February 23, 2021

BLACKSBURG, Va. — After a 17-day COVID-19 hiatus, No. 16 Virginia Tech returns to action on Tuesday night against Georgia Tech.

The Hokies (14-4, 8-3 ACC) inch closer to the NCAA Tournament as a near lock, needing to knock some rust off before the ACC Tournament. Last time out on Feb. 6, Virginia Tech knocked off Miami 80-76 in overtime.

On Saturday against Miami, the Yellow Jackets (11-8, 7-6) captured their first ACC road win of the season, 87-60. It was their second straight win after a home victory over Pitt six days prior.

The Hokies lead the all-time series 20-7, but in the last meeting between the ACC foes, the Yellow Jackets came out victorious, 76-57, to snap a six-game losing streak to Virginia Tech.

Virginia Tech will likely be without Jalen Cone, who suffered an ankle injury against Miami. The sophomore guard was in a slump before going down but had been a viable option of the bench for the Hokies, averaging 9.2 points per game.

Huge news for the Hokies is the status of Tyrece Radford, who is expected to be available. Radford was suspended indefinitely on Jan. 25 after being arrested for driving under the influence. The redshirt sophomore guard may bring a lot back to the table for the Hokies down the stretch — especially on the boards.

Georgia Tech’s Key to the Game: Stay Hot

The Yellow Jackets are desperately trying to sneak into the NCAA Tournament and a win over the No. 16 team in the country would help their case. Georgia Tech has already defeated three teams in the top 25 — No. 20 Kentucky, No. 20 Clemson and No. 16 Florida State.

The Jackets played with a fire under them against Miami, shooting an impressive 57.1% from the field and 42.3% from three. Georgia Tech knows that beating Virginia Tech on Tuesday night is a must if it wants to make it to the big dance.

Virginia Tech’s Key to the Game: Knock Off the Rust

After 17 days away from the court, the Hokies will likely come out flat. It happens, but the key for Tech will be to knock off the rust as fast as possible and return to the form it was playing at before its COVID-19 pause — a form that lifted Tech to six wins over its last eight games.

Georgia Tech Player to Watch: Michael Devoe

The junior guard is coming off of three straight games in double digits. Devoe had his best game of the season against the Hurricanes, draining seven threes en route to recording 29 points. The six-foot-five guard is averaging 14.3 points per game while shooting 41.7% from deep.

Virginia Tech Player to Watch: Keve Aluma

Aluma was in stellar form before the Hokies’ break. Dating back to Jan. 27, the redshirt junior forward hit double-digit points in four straight contests. The Wofford transfer is averaging 15.7 points and 7.6 rebounds per game.

If Aluma can continue playing at a high level, Virginia Tech will be in a good spot to beat Georgia Tech and finish strong down the stretch before the ACC Tournament.

Predictions:

Jackson: Virginia Tech 71, Georgia Tech 65

Chris: Virginia Tech 76, Georgia Tech 69

Game Details:

Georgia Tech (11-8, 7-6 ACC) at No 16 Virginia Tech (14-4, 8-3)

Tipoff: 7 p.m.

Location: Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg, Va.

Television: RSN