Georgia is riding high after back-to-back SEC wins, but tonight's matchup against No. 25 Vanderbilt on the road is a true test.
The Bulldogs, sitting at 19-8 overall and 7-7 in the SEC, are coming off a strong 91-80 win over Texas. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt, with a 21-6 record and 8-6 in the SEC, is looking to rebound from a close 69-65 loss to Tennessee.
Georgia's recent success can be credited to their explosive start against Texas, where they shot nearly 60% from the field in the first half, building a solid 10-point lead. Despite a late push from the Longhorns, clutch performances from Justin Abson, Blue Cain, and Kanon Catchings sealed the deal for the Bulldogs.
Jeremiah Wilkinson and Smurf Millender have been pivotal, with Wilkinson scoring 19 off the bench for the second consecutive game and Millender adding 15. Five Bulldogs, including Catchings, Somto Cyril, and Cain, hit double figures, showcasing Georgia's offensive depth.
Coach Mike White praised his team's resilience, stating, "We responded in a big, big way. Just did enough defensively, but that said, they're really tough to defend."
Wilkinson and Millender's sharpshooting was key, especially from beyond the arc. The duo went 5-of-7 from 3-point range in the first half, setting the tone early. Even though their attempts decreased in the second half, they maintained a 60% shooting rate from deep.
Wilkinson emphasized the team's confidence, saying, "If we're taking the 3's that we want, taking the shots that we want, they're going to go in."
Looking ahead, Wilkinson and Millender will need to replicate their shooting prowess to overcome Vanderbilt's formidable defense. The Commodores, under coach Mark Byington, excel in several areas, ranking high in scoring defense and offense, field goal percentages, and more.
Vanderbilt's Tyler Tanner leads the charge as the SEC's fifth-leading scorer, supported by standouts like Duke Miles, Tyler Nickel, Devin McGlockton, and AK Okereke.
For Georgia, tonight's game is crucial. A win would significantly boost their NCAA Tournament hopes, marking a potential back-to-back appearance for the first time since 2001-02. But to achieve that, they'll need to topple a strong Vanderbilt squad on their home turf.