DePaul vs. Georgia Tech: Matchup Analysis

The Emerald Coast Classic in Destin brings together four programs chasing an early season statement. DePaul, Drake, Georgia Tech, and LSU all enter with momentum, and this matchup between the Blue Demons and the Yellow Jackets jumps off the page. Both teams arrive on two game win streaks, and this is the one I have had circled for about two weeks. It is time to dive in.

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DePaul vs. Georgia Tech Odds

How will DePaul perform in their first road trip of the season?

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Spread

DePaul: -1.5 (-110)

Georgia Tech: +1.5 (-110)

Total

Over: 146 (-110)

Under: 146 (-110)

Moneyline

DePaul: +105

Georgia Tech: -125

DePaul vs. Georgia Tech Best Bet

Welcome to the Emerald Coast Classic in Destin, Florida. This four team tournament features DePaul, Drake, Georgia Tech, and LSU. The DePaul Blue Demons enter this matchup against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets after two straight wins over Gardner-Webb and Detroit Mercy. The Yellow Jackets are on a similar run, coming off wins over Georgia Southern and West Georgia. I have had this matchup circled for about two weeks. I can not wait to get into this one!

This two time DePaul alum is stunned that the Blue Demons opened as a short favorite in this matchup. I expected a low spread, but not with DePaul listed as a neutral favorite. The total sits at 146 and I have no real feel for it. However, I do have a feel for a side…

Home Sick Demons

This is the first game away from Wintrust Arena this season for the DePaul Blue Demons after opening with six straight at home. This will not be Georgia Tech’s first game away from home, as they already faced a top 30th ranked Georgia team, where they lost 92 to 87 on November 14. I want to fade DePaul in their first game away from home and their first true road test of the season. Be ready to hear a similar argument on December 13, when the Blue Demons head to Wichita State.

The Yellow Jackets defense will be the best defense the Blue Demons have faced up to this point. Bart Torvik has them ranked 20th in adjusted defensive efficiency and seventh in eFG% defense. They defend the perimeter, block shots, and protect the paint at a high level. They also avoid unnecessary fouls, ranked 100th in free throw rate defense.

Their offense on the other hand is not strong, ranked 215 in adjusted offensive efficiency. They turn the ball over at a high rate, but I am not concerned about their offense, as they have already been tested away from their home gym. DePaul has only played and practiced consistently in two gyms, either at Wintrust or in Lincoln Park, where most practices take place. Yes, you read that correctly, DePaul mostly practices at McGrath-Phillips Arena. The Blue Demons offense has struggled with free throws this season, ranked 214th. Their overall offense sits at 145th in eFG%. They have also struggled with getting their shots blocked, currently 253rd in offensive block percentage. The Yellow Jackets are in a strong position to expose the Blue Demons on Friday.

The pace of play will be worth monitoring. The Blue Demons have been slower this year, ranking in the mid-200s in pace. Meanwhile, Haslametrics places Georgia Tech at 80th in pace. The advanced analytics project this game near the 147th range. It is interesting to see Bart Torvik and Haslametrics split on the result, with one projecting DePaul and the other backing Georgia Tech. A close game is very possible. However, if the Yellow Jackets force DePaul into tough shots in an unfamiliar gym and disrupt their rhythm, the advantage swings their way. If DePaul has to speed up and match Georgia Tech’s pace, they will likely struggle.