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We've waited all offseason for this. The Jackets tip off their season against a very familiar opponent and look to start their season on the right foot.
This is the 191st meeting of the two all-time, in which Tech holds a 104-86 advantage. The two teams began playing each other in the 1905-06 season, often twice a year or more when they were together in the SEC. The game also marks the start of the 100th season of Georgia Tech basketball.
Georgia may be without standout guard Kenny Gaines, who is reportedly recovering from mononucleosis. Gaines averaged 13 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1 assist per game last season. Junior point guard Charles Mann will shoulder the offensive load for the Bulldogs. He averaged a team high 13.9 points per game in 2013-14. Mann was also named to the preseason All-SEC first team for this upcoming season.
Mark Fox's team returns virtually everyone from last year's team that went 20-14 (12-6 SEC) and has many people picking them to make the NCAA Tournament field. They did, however, struggle against a D-II opponent in a exhibition last week. Georgia Southwestern held the Bulldogs close but fell 65-61.
Last year's leading rebounder Marcus Thornton will be a tough cover, as will be the fluid forward scorer Nemanja Djurisic who hails from Montenegro. The Bulldogs have a glut of forwards who aren't scared of contact. Georgia was among the D-I leaders in getting to the free throw line last season, so it will be important that the Yellow Jackets remain in good defensive position without fouling.
This is the earliest in the season Georgia Tech has faced off against Georgia. The Jackets have won the last three contests between the in-state rivals, including an 80-71 win in Athens last year. Georgia Tech has not won 4 straight against their rivals since the 1963-64 season.
GT Probable Starters:
G Travis Jorgenson
G Marcus Georges-Hunt
F Quinton Stephens
F Robert Sampson
C Demarco Cox
uga Probable Starters:
G Charles Mann
G Kenny Paul Geno
F Cameron Forte
F Marcus Thornton
F Nemanja Djurisic
Come out to McCamish Pavilion by 7 PM and don't forget to wear your gold for the gold-out. The game can also be seen on WatchESPN and Fox Sports South.