Bulldogs blow past Valdosta State

Five different Bulldogs scored in double figures as Georgia raced past Valdosta State in a 112-74 win at Stegeman Coliseum

Mark Fox went with the same big starting lineup as he did against Michigan State featuring Turtle Jackson and E’Torrion Williams in the backcourt along with freshman Rayshaun Hammonds, Yante Maten and Derek Ogbeide up front.

Both teams got off to a slow start with Georgia leading 3-0 at the first media timeout. Things finally clicked into gear as both teams settled into a rhythm. The Bulldogs used a 10-0 run to take a 28-18 lead with 7:42 remaining in the first half. Georgia continued to pour it on and stretched the lead to 51-34 at the intermission.

The Bulldogs pushed the lead to 25 with an 8-0 run to open the second half. They would push the lead to 39 as the game morphed into a track meet. Georgia’s depth showed as they simply had too much fire power and cruised home for the victory.

All 13 players that got into the game for the Bulldogs scored. Georgia shot 61 percent from the field and were 7-23 from three-point range.

Yante Maten led the way with a double-double of 24 points and 10 rebounds. Maten was 10-12 from the field and 4-5 from the free throw line.

Hammonds also finished with a double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds. Ogbeide added 17 points and eight boards while Tyree Crump pitched in 14. Jackson rounded out the Bulldogs in double figures with 10 and also added a team-high seven assists.

Georgia’s defense was a bit hit or miss as they clearly lost some focus as the lead widened. Still Fox likely won’t be happy about the seven made threes that they allowed in each half. Valdosta State shot 37 percent for the game. The Bulldogs’ size was a major factor as they finished the game with a 51-27 rebounding advantage.

There is still some work to be done but in all it was an overall good showing for the Bulldogs. Georgia will open regular season play next Friday (November 10) at home against Bryant.