Georgia vs No. 14 Kentucky preview: Bulldogs face tough test at Rupp Arena

Georgia heads to Kentucky on Saturday looking to build on what is already a surprising start to the conference season. The Bulldogs finished an uninspiring 6-6 in the nonconference season but has won four of its first five against SEC opponents. Their only conference loss came in a hostile environment in Gainesville to the Gators, they will face another tall test on Saturday at Rupp Arena against No. 14 Kentucky.

The Wildcats are 14-4 on the season and are also 4-1 in SEC play. Their lone loss came on the road in overtime at Arkansas. Since then they have won two straight after knocking off Texas A&M on Tuesday. As is usually the case, Kentucky is loaded with talent led by 6-9 freshman forward Julius Randle who is averaging a double-double with 16.7 points and 10.6 rebounds. The Wildcats are a perfect 12-0 at home this season.

Georgia has also won two straight, most recently having defeated South Carolina 97-76 at Stegeman on Wednesday. The Bulldogs outrebounded the Gamecocks 39-27 and have been one of the best rebounding teams in the conference. Offensively they have been forced to grind things out and have shown a knack for getting to the free throw line. However, sometimes that is much more difficult to accomplish on the road.

Georgia's lone SEC loss came on the road at Florida and was a game in which they did not perform well against the Gator's pressure. Kentucky will put them in a similar situation on Saturday and they will need to respond with much more poise than they did the first time around.

Kentucky has dominated the season series between the two clubs going an astonishing 115-26. However, nine of those 26 wins have come in the last 12 seasons.

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Saturday, January 25, 1:30 p.m.

Location: Rupp Arena, Lexington, Kentucky

TV: ESPN3