Georgia Tech appeared on the road to nowhere as it finished January at 9-12, with none of its three ACC victories coming over likely NCAA Tournament teams, but the Yellow Jackets have suddenly caught fire, winning their last few games to thrust themselves back into the conversation for a potential postseason berth.
Their resurgence could not have come at a more opportune time, as they prepare to face off against a surging Virginia team that has been one of the most consistent programs in the country over the past decade.
Despite their recent success, the Yellow Jackets are still considered heavy underdogs against the Cavaliers, who boast a roster filled with experienced players and a stifling defense that has been nearly impenetrable at times this season.
However, Georgia Tech has shown an ability to rise to the occasion and play to the level of their competition, and they will undoubtedly be motivated to pull off the upset and prove that their recent winning streak is more than just a fluke.
The key to the Yellow Jackets' success will be their ability to contain Virginia's high-powered offense, which has been led by a number of talented players who have been nearly unstoppable at times this season.
On the other side of the ball, Georgia Tech will need to find a way to crack the Cavaliers' vaunted defense, which has been one of the best in the country this year and has shown an ability to shut down even the most potent offenses.
With both teams suddenly hot and playing some of their best basketball of the season, this matchup has all the makings of a classic showdown between two programs that are desperate to make a statement and prove themselves as legitimate contenders in the ACC.
As the Yellow Jackets look to keep their winning streak alive and pull off the upset of the season, they will need to be at the top of their game and play with a level of intensity and focus that has been lacking at times this year.
But if they can manage to do so, they may just find themselves in the midst of a season-defining moment that could propel them to new heights and set them up for a run at the NCAA Tournament.
The stage is set for what promises to be an epic showdown between two teams that are peaking at the right time, and only time will tell if the Yellow Jackets have what it takes to pull off the upset and make a statement to the rest of the college basketball world.