Georgia Tech wraps up the Peach State Classic, a two-game multi-team event it is co-hosting with Georgia, on Tuesday night as they host Texas Southern at McCamish Pavilion. The Yellow Jackets are looking to bounce back from a tough loss to North Florida in their previous outing, while the Tigers aim to build on their strong start to the season.

Clash of Conferences as ACC and SWAC Squads Meet

Jackets Seek Redemption After North Florida Setback

Georgia Tech entered the Peach State Classic with high hopes, but suffered a 105-93 defeat against North Florida in their tournament opener. Despite five players scoring in double figures, including a double-double from Baye Ndongo, the Yellow Jackets were unable to overcome the Ospreys' offensive onslaught. Coach Damon Stoudamire will be looking for his team to regroup and regain their early-season form against a tough Texas Southern squad.The Yellow Jackets have shown flashes of their potential, shooting an impressive 47.6% from the field through their first two games. Kowacie Reeves Jr., Luke O'Brien, and Lance Terry have all been reliable scoring options, while Javian McCollum and Naithan George have provided valuable contributions in the backcourt. If Georgia Tech can tighten up their defense and limit turnovers, they have the talent to bounce back with a strong performance against the Tigers.

Texas Southern Aims to Build on Early-Season Success

Texas Southern enters the Peach State Classic matchup with a 1-2 record, but the Tigers have already shown their potential. After dropping a close 78-69 decision to Xavier in their season opener, they routed Texas A&M-San Antonio 100-69 before falling to Georgia 92-64 in Athens.Head coach Johnny Jones, who has previous experience facing Georgia Tech during his time as an assistant at LSU, will be looking to guide his team to an upset victory over the Yellow Jackets. The Tigers boast a balanced offensive attack, with several players capable of stepping up on any given night. Their ability to share the ball and create open looks for one another will be crucial against a Georgia Tech defense that has shown some vulnerabilities.

Backcourt Battle Highlights Matchup

One of the key storylines in this game will be the battle between the backcourts of Georgia Tech and Texas Southern. The Yellow Jackets' trio of McCollum, Reeves, and George have been instrumental in their early-season success, while the Tigers' backcourt has also shown its ability to control the tempo and create scoring opportunities.McCollum, a transfer from Oklahoma, has already reached the 1,000-point milestone for his collegiate career and will be looking to lead the Yellow Jackets' offensive charge. Reeves and George have also been impressive, with the latter dishing out 14 assists in the first two games while committing just two turnovers.On the other side, Texas Southern will rely on its experienced backcourt to keep the pressure on the Yellow Jackets. The Tigers' guards will need to be disciplined in their decision-making and take care of the ball to limit Georgia Tech's transition opportunities.

Frontcourt Clash Promises Physical Battle

While the backcourt matchup will be a key focus, the battle in the paint between the two teams' frontcourts could also play a significant role in the outcome. Georgia Tech's Baye Ndongo has been a dominant force, recording a double-double in the loss to North Florida, and the Yellow Jackets will need him to continue his strong play against the Tigers.Texas Southern's frontcourt will be tasked with containing Ndongo and limiting his impact on the glass. The Tigers' big men will need to be physical and disciplined in their defensive rotations to prevent the Yellow Jackets from establishing a presence in the paint.This clash of styles and personnel should make for an intriguing and hard-fought contest, as both teams look to gain the upper hand and secure a victory in the Peach State Classic finale.