Georgia Tech women's basketball, under first-year coach Karen Blair, is set to compete in the WBIT First Round against Kansas State on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET. This marks a historic moment as Blair is the first head coach to secure a postseason berth in her debut season. The Yellow Jackets (14-18, 8-10 ACC) enter after a recent loss to Virginia Tech but are buoyed by a solid home performance and key players like Talayah Walker and Brianna Turnage. Kansas State (18-17, 8-10 Big 12), also seeking a postseason win, has a strong home record but is coming off a challenging season ending in the Big 12 semis.

By the Numbers
  • Georgia Tech has achieved its 29th postseason appearance and is making its second WBIT appearance, previously participating in 2024.
  • Talayah Walker leads the Yellow Jackets with an average of 17.1 points per game; Brianna Turnage averages 10.8 rebounds per game, ranking second in the ACC.
Yes, But

While Georgia Tech has a strong history of postseason invitations, the inconsistency this season raises questions about their ability to compete effectively against a well-established program like Kansas State.

State of Play
  • The Yellow Jackets have won 10 games at home this season, including notable victories over NCAA Tournament participants.
  • Kansas State is 7-8 at home this season but has a recent track record of competitive play in the Big 12.
What's Next

If Georgia Tech secures a win, they could gain momentum heading into the next round of the WBIT and potentially face more challenging opponents, which could enhance their experience and growth under Coach Blair.

Bottom Line

The matchup offers Georgia Tech an opportunity to showcase its growth under new leadership while seeking to advance further in the WBIT, solidifying its presence in women's college basketball and setting the stage for future seasons.