Georgia squanders early lead in loss to Aztecs

Georgia built an early 12-point lead but couldn’t sustain it in a 75-68 loss to San Diego State.

The Bulldogs came into the game less than 100 percent with several players suffering from the effects of food poisoning. That didn’t slow them down early as they jumped out to a 16-4 lead at the 12 minute mark. The Aztecs used an 18-3 run to get themselves back into the game and trailed by a single point at the half 34-33.

The lead slid back and forth throughout the second half. Turtle Jackson put Georgia up 64-63 with a three-pointer with 3:43 remaining. However, San Diego State responded with a 7-0 run to take a 70-64 advantage. Teshaun Hightower cut the deficit to 72-68 with a lay in with 49 seconds remaining but Devin Watson answered at the other end to seal the victory.

Georgia suffers its first loss of the season despite out shooting the Aztecs 38 percent to 34 percent. Turnovers again hurt the Bulldogs who finished with 12 which led to 17 points for San Diego State.

Jackson and Yante Maten led Georgia with 17 points each. Freshman Nicolas Claxton played some key minutes and finished with seven points, seven rebounds and three blocked shots. Watson led the Aztecs with 16 points while Trey Kell and Matt Mitchell finished with 13 each.

Georgia will take on Saint Mary’s in a consolation game on Sunday.