Tech’s Miller practices with face guard

Georgia Tech point guard Moe Miller, who has missed the past seven games with a nasal fracture, practiced Thursday with a Rip Hamilton-like face guard and likely will play Saturday at Maryland.

“It felt a little awkward, but I started getting in the flow of things as time went on,” Miller said. “It’s weird, but in time I’ll get used to it just like Richard Hamilton had to get used to it.”

Miller underwent surgery Dec. 17 to reset the fracture.

Coach Paul Hewitt expects Miller will be able to come off the bench Saturday, but said he’ll make a final decision after Friday’s practice.

Miller’s return would lengthen the rotation and enable Zachery Peacock to play power forward instead of small forward.

“It gives us a lot of depth, and it puts Zach Peacock back where he’s most comfortable,” Hewitt said.

In Saturday’s noon game, Tech (9-5, 0-1) will try to break a six-game losing streak in its series against Maryland (11-3). The Terps are starting their ACC schedule following a surprising 66-65 home loss to Morgan State on Wednesday.