Well-rested Georgia Tech faces test from defense-oriented Marist

After a 10-day break, Georgia Tech will look for an energized performance on Tuesday when it hosts red-hot Marist in Atlanta.

The Yellow Jackets (6-4) failed to pick up a win in their three nonconference games against Power 5 schools, but they have a chance to enter Atlantic Coast Conference play on a winning streak as they host Marist, Lafayette and Florida A&M over the next two weeks.

Head coach Damon Stoudamire's team last took the court on Dec. 6, when it staved off Monmouth for a 12-point win. Inconsistent shooting and shoddy defense led to the group's three-game losing streak before it rebounded last time out. As Georgia Tech continues to try and find an identity, the third-year coach knows it's a work in progress.

"It's going to be brick-by-brick this season," Stoudamire said. "I think that's what the guys are figuring out. It's not going to be easy. It's not going to be pretty. We've got to just keep grinding this thing out. You've got to learn to fight. What I'm trying to do is just help them get through those rough patches."

The Yellow Jackets hope to find their rhythm from distance, as their 30.5% accuracy from 3-point range leads only Boston College (27.9%) in the ACC. Pacific transfer Lamar Washington has asserted himself as a go-to scorer of late, posting a season-high 23 points against Monmouth. The outburst coincided with his first start of the season.

"(Lamar) is a guy that is never going to be perfect, but that's what makes him who he is," Stoudamire said. "He brings toughness and he brings a spirit to the game and he plays hard as anyone. When you have guys like that, I think his teammates can't help but rally around him."

Washington averages 9.9 points, 5.0 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game. Kowacie Reeves Jr.'s 14.8 points per game pace Georgia Tech, while Baye Ndongo adds 11.8 points and 7.8 rebounds per game.

Marist (7-2) brings a five-game winning streak to town in its second and final meeting with a power conference opponent in the regular season. The Red Foxes fell to Xavier by four in their season opener.

Led by veteran head coach John Dunne, the Red Foxes allow just 61.9 points per game and hold opponents to a 37.7% shooting clip. According to KenPom.com, Marist ranks 36th nationally in defensive efficiency.

"We're very, very pleased," Dunne said. "We've got a long way to go before we're a finished product, but I like where we're at right now. These guys have a really good togetherness and hopefully we can hold onto that for the season."

Marist is led by sixth man Rhyjon Blackwell's 13.1 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. Elijah Lewis adds 12.3 points per game.

--Field Level Media