Georgia seeking first Conference win

Georgia returns to Athens Wednesday night for a critical conference matchup against Ole Miss at Stegeman Coliseum. The Bulldogs missed an opportunity in their conference opener as an eight-point lead slipped away in the second half in a 66-61 loss to Kentucky at Rupp Arena. With Alabama waiting on Saturday, the Bulldogs would like to get back on the winning track and avoid an 0-2 start to conference play.

Georgia appeared to be in control at Rupp until Turtle Jackson picked up his fourth foul early in the second half. By the time he reentered the game, the Bulldogs’ momentum was gone. Kentucky used their length and athleticism to hammer away inside and was rewarded by a parade of trips to the free throw line where they sealed win.

Yante Maten logged another double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds but was just 5-of-15 from the field. Derek Ogbeide added 13 while Rayshaun Hammonds finished with 12. Georgia struggled to execute offensively while Jackson was on the bench and need someone to step up behind him in a playmaking role.

Ole Miss comes into Wednesday’s game with an 8-5 record. The Rebels have losses to Utah, South Dakota State, Virginia Tech, Middle Tennessee State and Illinois State. They have however won three straight including a 74-69 win over South Carolina on Sunday.

Deandre Burnett led the way against the Gamecocks with 18 points with most of that damage coming at the free throw line. Markel Crawford added 17 while Bruce Stevens kicked in 10 off the bench. Junior guard Terence Davis leads the team in scoring at 15.2 per game and is second on the team in rebounding at 5.9.

Georgia will need to be engaged defensively from the outset as the Rebels average 81.8 points per game and are shooting 46 percent as a team on the season.

Tip off from Athens is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET and the game can be seen on the SEC Network.

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Wednesday, January 3, 6:30 p.m. ET

Location: Stegeman Coliseum, Athens, GA

TV: SEC Network

Streaming: SECN+

Radio: Georgia Bulldog Sports Network. (Flagship: WSB AM 750 Atlanta, Sirius: 145; XM, 190)