Georgia vs. Kennesaw State preview: Prediction, players to watch, and key stats

(Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire)

Georgia will look to snap its two-game losing streak when it hosts Kennesaw State on Tuesday night.

The Bulldogs won their Cayman Islands Classic opener over Illinois State but followed it up with back-to-back losses to Clemson and Georgia State.

Meanwhile, Kennesaw State has lost six in a row after starting the season with a win over Division II foe Oglethorpe.

Let’s run through what to watch for in this game.

Game Details
  • Georgia (3-3) vs. Kennesaw State (1-6)
  • Location: Stegeman Coliseum – Athens, GA
  • Game Date: Nov. 27
  • Game Time: 7 p.m. EST
  • Watch: SEC Network+
Players to Watch

Rayshaun Hammonds (Georgia)

Hammonds is having the breakout campaign that many expected, with the 6-8 sophomore leading the team with 14.5 points in 24.8 minutes per game.

He put up 31 points in the victory over Illinois State, which showed how dangerous of a scorer he can be when he’s at his best.

Nic Claxton (Georgia)

The 6-11 sophomore struggled in Georgia’s final two games in the Cayman Islands, but he’s already shown an improved skill set in his second year with the program.

Claxton is averaging 11.5 points and 8.0 rebounds while posting 2.7 blocks per game, and his overall versatility is rather incredible for his size.

Key Stats

Kennesaw State simply hasn’t been good on the offensive side of the court thus far this season.

The Owls rank 343rd nationally in offensive efficiency, and they’re 348th nationally in both effective field-goal percentage (39.0 percent) and 2-point field-goal percentage (36.6 percent).

When you combine those numbers with the fact that Kennesaw State has scored over 60 points just once in six games against Division I competition, that sets up well for Tom Crean’s team.

Georgia is shooting 56.1 percent from inside the perimeter (48th nationally), so the Bulldogs should once again be able to find high-percentage shots in this matchup.

Game Outlook

After a couple disappointing games in a row, this is a spot where Georgia can start to rebuild some momentum.

The Bulldogs are still a team in transition, and that will undoubtedly lead to some frustrating moments throughout the season.

However, the Owls just aren’t playing very well right now, and it’s hard to see enough scoring from them to have a shot at pulling off the upset.

Georgia grabs a much-needed victory in Athens.

Season Predictions Record (straight up): 61-14

Game Prediction: Georgia 75, Kennesaw State 56

For more SEC basketball coverage, follow me on Twitter @theblakelovell.