Georgia will try to get back on track when it takes on in-state rival Georgia State in the third-place game in the Cayman Islands Classic on Wednesday afternoon.
The Bulldogs couldn’t find enough offense to advance to the title game, as they fell 64-49 to Clemson in semifinal action.
Meanwhile, Georgia State had its own struggles in losing 93-68 to Creighton.
Let’s run through what to watch for in this matchup.
Game Details
- Georgia (3-2) vs. Georgia State (3-2)
- Location: John Gray Gymnasium (George Town, Cayman Islands)
- Game Date: Nov. 21
- Game Time: 5 p.m. EST
- Watch: Stadium
Players to Watch
Nic Claxton (Georgia)
The 6-11 sophomore was held to just three points on 1-of-9 shooting in the Clemson loss, but he still contributed elsewhere by adding nine rebounds and five blocks.
Claxton has already emerged as a breakout player nationally this season, and his size and athleticism should allow him to play a huge role against a smaller Georgia State squad.
D’Marcus Simonds (Georgia State)
It’s no surprise to see Simonds off to a fast start due to the tremendous scoring ability that has been on display from him over the past few seasons.
He’s posting 22.6 points per game thus far, and he’s scored at least 21 points in all but one contest this season.
The 6-3 junior must be priority number one for Georgia’s defense, because if he’s not, it could be a long game for the Bulldogs.
Key Stats
Tom Crean’s squad is still dealing with some issues turning the ball over, as Georgia is 300th nationally in turnover percentage (22.6 percent).
Georgia State has been effective on the offensive glass in sporting an offensive rebounding percentage of 34.7 percent (56th nationally), but that may be tougher against a team like the Bulldogs.
The Panthers have the edge in terms of experience (69th nationally), and the intangibles of the upperclassmen could come in handy in a situation where both teams are grinding out their third game in three days.
Should this game be close late, the advantage would go to Georgia in free-throw shooting.
The Bulldogs are 140th nationally at 70.5 percent while Georgia State has struggled to 60.2 percent this season (313th nationally).
Game Outlook
- Spread: Georgia -1.5
- Over/Under: 142
- KenPom Projection: Georgia, 53 percent chance to win
- ESPN BPI Projection: Georgia State, 57.7 percent chance to win
Simonds is a really good player, and he’s going to give Georgia all it can handle in this one.
Ron Hunter’s team consistently plays a tough and aggressive style, and you better believe that they’ll want to prove their worth against the bigger university in their home state.
Aside from the Clemson game, I’ve been impressed with Georgia’s early-season performances as they are clearly buying into Crean’s new system.
If the Bulldogs can use their size to find second-chance opportunities and not settle for too many outside jump shots, they will have a great shot at victory.
They should be able to do just that, so I’ll take Crean’s bunch to pick up the win.
Season Predictions Record (straight up): 44-9
Game Prediction: Georgia 77, Georgia State 70
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