GAME NOTES: Georgia Tech is below .500 through 17 games for the first time since 2001-02, and the club will attempt to even its overall record on the road tonight against NC State in ACC action. On Saturday, Georgia Tech managed an 81-70 victory over Virginia Tech, halting a three-game skid. The Yellow Jackets are 8-9 overall and 1-3 in league play, hard to believe for a program that played for a national title just a few years ago. NC State suffered back-to- back losses prior to Saturday's clash with Miami at home, and the Hurricanes pushed that game to overtime. Fortunately, the Wolfpack were able to escape with a dramatic 79-77 triumph in that clash, improving the club's record to 12-5 overall and 8-1 in home games. NC State holds a 48-33 series lead over Georgia Tech, but the Yellow Jackets have won the last two meetings.

Matt Causey was tremendous for Georgia Tech in the much-needed win over Virginia Tech on Saturday, as he poured in 30 points off the bench on the strength of seven three-pointers. Causey played only 22 minutes, making the outburst particularly impressive. Anthony Morrow tallied 17 points for the Yellow Jackets, and Jeremis Smith pitched in 13 points and 10 rebounds. Tech turned the ball over 21 times in that clash and missed 12 free throws, but the club was able to force 24 giveaways. Morrow leads the team with 15.0 ppg, and Lewis Clinch checks in with 11.7 ppg. As for Smith, he is posting 10.3 ppg to go along with 7.4 rpg. Tech is netting 76.9 ppg while allowing 73.5 ppg to the opposition.

J.J. Hickson leads four double-digit scorers for NC State, as the rugged power forward is scoring 15.5 ppg to go along with 7.8 rpg and 28 blocks. Hickson is shooting 63.9 percent from the field, impressive by any standards. Gavin Grant checks in with 13.4 ppg, and Courtney Fells is netting 10.2 ppg. Brandon Costner is also scoring 10.2 ppg, although his 38.6 percent shooting from the floor could stand some improvement. The Wolfpack is netting a modest 66.9 ppg this season, but the team is holding the opposition to 64.6 ppg. Grant scored 22 points against Miami, and his steal and layup in the closing seconds of overtime won the game for NC State. Costner tallied 16 points for the Wolfpack, who got 14 points apiece from Hickson and Fells. NC State overcame a 43-30 rebounding deficit with the help of an 18-11 edge in points from the foul line.

Go with the home team in tonight's game, as NC State will use a balanced offensive attack to hold off the Yellow Jackets.