Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs Drake Bulldogs Picks and Predictions November 29th 2025

Game Preview: Drake @ Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech returns to Raider Arena on November 29, 2025, for the Emerald Coast Classic consolation game after a disappointing second-half collapse against DePaul. The Yellow Jackets, listed on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets team page, entered the event confident in their defensive identity but surrendered 50 second-half points in a 75-61 defeat. Drake, found at the Drake Bulldogs team page, also seeks a rebound after a competitive showing in a 71-62 loss to LSU.

The market opened with Georgia Tech -3.5 on a neutral floor and a total of 135, with bettors weighing Tech’s defensive upside against Drake’s improved rebounding profile. This matchup also offers an opportunity to evaluate developmental progress for both squads early in the non-conference calendar, with additional cross-sport betting context available at the best soccer bets this week.

Odds and Key Information

Georgia Tech opened -3.5 with the total set at 135. Early money has shown slight interest in Drake due to their road consistency and ability to rebound effectively, while Tech’s ATS profile has been steadier when favored. The Bulldogs’ 2-0 road record reinforces confidence in their neutral-site competitiveness.

Damon Stoudamire emphasized pride in Tech’s defense earlier in the week, calling the group “elite,” but acknowledged the second-half breakdown against DePaul required immediate course correction. Drake coach Eric Henderson continues to preach patience with a roster full of newcomers finding offensive chemistry.

Drake Outlook

Drake enters at 4-3 with a balanced attack and promising indicators in both rebounding and efficiency. Jalen Quinn’s 20-point outing versus LSU underscored his reliability as a primary scorer, marking his third 20-point game of the season. His perimeter decision-making and ability to generate early-clock shots give Drake a stabilizing presence.

The Bulldogs average 76.4 points per game and rank 76th nationally in total rebounds at 40.4 per game. Okku Federiko’s seven boards per game play a pivotal role in controlling possessions. Drake’s success often hinges on managing the glass and limiting opponents to single-shot trips. Their two road wins demonstrate poise outside their home environment.

Defensively, Drake’s structure must tighten after giving up multiple rim finishes to LSU in key stretches. Their help rotations face another challenge against Georgia Tech’s dribble-drive offense, especially in half-court sets. Still, Drake’s slow pace—58.2 possessions per game—can help them dictate tempo if they maintain defensive discipline.

For broader mid-major insights, bettors can browse the full NCAAB teams directory.

Georgia Tech Outlook

Georgia Tech sits at 5-2 but took a significant step backward Friday, allowing DePaul to score on 23 of 32 second-half possessions. Stoudamire highlighted his confidence in the defensive foundation earlier in the week, drawing comparisons to elite units he coached with Memphis and Arizona. The breakdown against DePaul, however, revealed challenges in off-ball containment and late-clock execution.

Akai Fleming led Tech with 13 points against DePaul, while Mouhamed Sylla added 10 points and seven rebounds. Tech’s rebounding advantage remains a strength, with 42 boards per game ranking inside the national top 50. Baye Ndongo continues to provide rim protection and positional versatility, contributing to Tech’s averages of 8.6 steals and 5.1 blocks per game.

The Jackets’ offensive issues resurfaced in the second half Friday, shooting just 11-for-32 while struggling to produce clean looks inside. Tech’s ability to reset its ball-screen actions and improve shot quality will determine whether they can outpace Drake’s disciplined tempo. With a perfect 5-0 record when favored this season, Georgia Tech has demonstrated strong baseline consistency in expected-win situations.

Key Matchup Table

Key Factor	Advantage
Rebounding Control	Drake Bulldogs
Interior Defense	Georgia Tech
Half-Court Scoring	Drake Bulldogs
Turnover Generation	Georgia Tech
Tempo Management	Drake Bulldogs

Betting Trends

Drake’s 2-0 road record showcases their ability to execute in unfamiliar environments. They have frequently played to competitive margins in lower-possession games. Their recent under trend has aligned with slower pace but high efficiency.

Georgia Tech has been excellent when favored, winning all five games outright in that role. Their defensive metrics support unders, though recent inconsistency complicates projections. Their 5-0 home record emphasizes performance comfort when not traveling.

To compare these trends against other matchups on the board, bettors can explore the NCAAB odds page.

The Lean

Drake’s rebounding strength, slow pace, and consistent half-court scoring give them a strong chance to stay within margin on a neutral site. Georgia Tech should respond defensively after Friday’s lapse, but their offensive variance raises concerns in a tight spread scenario.

Projected score: Georgia Tech 74, Drake 72. The model leans toward Drake +3.5 as the value position. The total projects higher than the market at 146, though pace concerns remain. Given each team’s ability to create second-chance opportunities, the edge leans slightly over 135.

For more tournament and non-conference previews, the full NCAAB previews index provides extended breakdowns.

Why You Need Expert Picks

Neutral-site matchups with contrasting paces and volatile defenses benefit greatly from expert modeling. Analysts on the Handicappers Leaderboard at the college basketball picks hub use possession-based analytics and matchup-specific efficiency data to identify sharp angles early in the market cycle.

Understanding rebounding matchups, bench efficiency, and tempo overlays can reveal actionable opportunities before public money shifts lines. For more cross-sport wagering strategy, bettors can also use the tools within the expert betting guide to refine approach and evaluate broader betting environments.

Projected Final Score: Georgia Tech 74, Drake 72
Best Spread Pick: Drake +3.5
Total Lean: Over 135