Georgia vs Kentucky preview: Bulldogs look to close out home slate in style against Wildcats

Georgia looks for the biggest signature win possible Tuesday night when they face off against undefeated Kentucky at Stegeman Coliseum.

The Bulldogs put up a valiant effort in a 69-58 loss at Rupp early in February. They played that game without Marcus Thornton, Kenny Paul Geno and Juwan Parker. Kentucky led by double-digits throughout but Georgia closed to within five points with just over five minutes remaining. The Wildcats righted the ship and currently sit at 29-0 and are poised to enter the SEC Tournament with an undefeated record.

It would be an understatement to try and describe just how big a win would be for the Bulldogs who are trying to position themselves with a Top 4 finish in the standings while earning a double bye in next week's conference tournament. Georgia currently sits in a three-way tie for fourth place with LSU and Ole Miss. The Tigers hold the tie breaker over the Bulldogs so Georgia must finish ahead of them in the standings.

Georgia won its third straight game on Saturday defeating Missouri 68-44 at Stegeman. Nemi Djurisic led the way with 14 points and five rebounds. Djurisic scored 17 points in the first meeting against Kentucky while freshman Yante Maten added a career-high 13 points and nine rebounds.

Kentucky downed No. 18 Arkansas 84-67 on Saturday. Andrew Harrison and freshman Trey Lyles led the way with 18 points each. Lyles missed the first match up against Georgia while Harrison scored a game-high 23 points.

For Georgia the game is nothing but an opportunity. A loss won't be damaging to their resume but a win would give them a significant boost. Its the final home game at Stegeman Coliseum this season and is sure to be played in front of a loud and enthusiastic sell out crowd. The Bulldogs need a good start and to avoid the knockout blow that Kentucky will try to deliver early. If they can show some poise and hang around within striking distance they just might be able to put some pressure on the visitors.

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Tuesday, March 3, 9 p.m. ET

Location: Stegeman Coliseum, Athens, Georgia

TV: ESPN

Radio: Bulldogs Radio Network