Facing SC State, Georgia aims for best start in nearly a century

Field Level Media|published: Sat 28th December, 17:57 2024

Dec 19, 2024; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs guard Silas Demary Jr. (5) looks to pass against the Buffalo Bulls at Stegeman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Georgia has a chance to post its best start to a season in 94 years ahead of its home meeting with South Carolina State in Athens, Ga., on Sunday.

Georgia (11-1) hasn't appeared in the NCAA Tournament in 10 seasons and hasn't won a tournament game since 2002, but the Bulldogs seem primed to make a return.

The Bulldogs have won six straight games and a seventh would mark their best start since beginning 13-0 in the 1930-31 campaign.

Georgia hasn't played since a Dec. 22 home win over Charleston Southern. Head coach Mike White knows the intensity of the schedule will soon increase as Southeastern Conference play revs up, but that's not to say his team will overlook its next opponent.

"We've had a much-needed break, both mentally and physically," White said. "Our guys need to get away from it a little bit, miss it, then come back rejuvenated for one more tune up for the grind of the SEC -- the best league in the country. But we'll be prepared for South Carolina State. They're dangerous, they play really hard, they've been really competitive. They're another good team."

Adding to Georgia's success has been the play of De'Shayne Montgomery. After being academically ineligible for the first 10 games of the season, the Mount St. Mary's transfer has averaged 19 points per game in two contests. Asa Newell follows with 15.8 points in 12 games, while fellow Mount St. Mary's transfer Dakota Leffew chips in 12.9.

South Carolina State (6-8) will play its fourth road game of a six-game stretch away from home.

The other Bulldogs prepare for their final regular season meeting with a power conference team following losses at South Carolina Upstate and Xavier. South Carolina State faces Morgan State on Jan. 4 to start Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play.

Led by third-year head coach Erik Martin, the team boasts a rare roster figure in today's college basketball landscape.

"We brought back 90 percent of our returnable student athletes this year," Martin said. "I can pretty much guarantee I'm the only person in America that did that."

Sophomore Drayton Jones leads the team with 13 points per game, followed by Omar Croskey's 9.4.

Georgia is 2-0 all-time against South Carolina State, last earning a 76-60 win in Nov. 2021.

--Field Level Media