Mark Fox’s Georgia Bulldogs outlasted the exquisitely absurdly named South Dakota St. Jackrabbits to remain unbeaten in the second game of the CBE Classic, surviving a 72-61 challenge in Stegeman Coliseum on Wednesday night.
The statistics in many respects were as even as the score. Georgia shot 40.3 per cent from the field (27 of 67); South Dakota State shot 39.3 per cent (22 of 56). Georgia hit six three-pointers; South Dakota State drained five from beyond the arc. The Bulldogs led by one in rebounds (41-40) and in assists (12-11). Georgia led by two in steals (6-4), while the Jackrabbits led by two in bench points (21-19).
Where the Hoop Dogs were dominant were at the free throw line (where they shot 80 per cent), in blocks (where they outdueled their guests, 6-0), and in points in the paint (where they led, 40-24). The Red and Black received solid performances from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (31 minutes, 14 points, six rebounds, two steals, one assist) and Donte Williams (30 minutes, 17 points, seven rebounds, four blocks).
The Bulldogs’ road gets much rougher on Monday, November 21, when the Fox Hounds will take on the California Golden Bears in Kansas City, Mo., at 9:45 p.m. Eastern on ESPN2. Hopefully, Georgia will have a measure of home court advantage, what with Missouri being an SEC state and all, but the young Athenians will face a tough test from Cal, so we should hope that everyone’s up for the date in Kansas City, lest they have gone about as far as they can go.
Go ‘Dawgs!