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Jackets ACC Opener

Here we go! The Jackets being ACC play today after a 10-2 record in non-conference play against the 9-3 Miami Hurricanes. Much speculation has been made as to whether the Jackets are as good as their record says they are... Good news, we will find out today. There isn't a better test for the Jackets in my opinion than Miami. Definitely a beatable team, but we need to run a tight, productive offense and keep a strong defense if senior leader Mfon Udiofia and the Jackets want to leave McCamish on a 7 game win streak.

By Marc Charles
Josh-USA TODAY Sports

With a win today, the Jackets would tie last seasons win total, with 11. Furthermore, a win would put Brian Gregory at a 22-22 overall record at Tech. The Jackets enter this game as a slight 1.5/2 point underdog. Needless to say, this should be a good game.

Miami was the last team to play in Alexander Memorial, and will be the first ACC game in the new McCamish Pavilion. That last game in Alexander ended with a 66-57 victory for the Jackets. Furthermore, Tech last basketball game for the 2011-2012 season was a sloppy contest against Miami in the ACC Tournament, where both teams struggled in a 54-36 Miami win. Hopefully both teams see a better game today.

As for this current Miami team, they will be without Reggie Johnson for the next few weeks with a hand injury. The team fixed a two game losing streak with a tough win against LaSalle on Wednesday. Without the leading big man, the Canes are currently 1-2. As for the series between the two teams, Miami leads with a 9-6 record against Tech, having won 8 out of the past 10 contests. However, Tech holds a 4-3 advantage all-time in Atlanta.

If Senior leader Mfon Udofia and the Jackets want to win today, not only will they need to take care of the basketball and shoot better from the field and FT line, but also shut down Miami's explosive offense lead by Shane Larkin, who can score as well as create plays and seems to have a sixth sense for the ball on defense, averaging 2.3 steals per game (2nd All ACC).

Tip-Off is set for 2:30 in McCamish Pavilion. This will be the last of Tech's seven game home series before hitting the road for more ACC play next week. The game will be televised regionally on the ACC Network (WATL-TV in Atlanta) and also on ESPN3. You can also hear the game on IMG Sports Network (790AM, 106.7 FM).

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