Georgia will face off at home against LSU tonight in a matchup that has ushered late-game drama since 2022. Both teams defended home court last season by snatching late victories.
The Bulldogs have lost just one game at home this season, and are 30-23 against LSU when playing in Athens. However, both teams have suffered four defeats within the last five games.
The Bulldogs committed just six turnovers against Alabama on Saturday, but shot just 27-76 from the field. Georgia can get back on track tonight in the first of two consecutive home games.
“We play connected when we’re at home,” White said. “Our fans have helped us play well, and play hard and play with pride.”
Forward Asa Newell has been Georgia’s top scorer on 15 occasions this season. The freshman standout’s 154 rebounds has also guided the Bulldogs to a top-25 ranking nationally in defensive efficiency. Newell will need to utilize his post play to score points and limit possessions for the Tigers’ leading blockers Corey Chest and Daimion Collins.
“I’ve taken a role on this team to, you know, just be a monster out there,” Newell said.
Away from the post, LSU boasts high-scoring guard Cam Carter who averages 17.3 points per game. Georgia’s own guards will need to disrupt Carter’s speed and efficiency by defending the backcourt.
“I’m not afraid of any player or any man, so I kind of just go into it with confidence,” guard Silas Demary Jr. said. “It’s a matter of how many times can you limit him scoring.”
Georgia found themselves ranked No. 23 in the AP Poll in January after home wins over Kentucky and Oklahoma. The ranking did not last, as Georgia has failed to win an away game in conference play so far this season, including a late loss to unranked Arkansas.
Georgia is currently projected by ESPN’s Joe Lunardi to be an 11-seed in the NCAA Tournament. With a string of difficult games coming up against five ranked opponents, a loss to LSU would complicate Georgia’s chances of reaching the Big Dance.
“When it’s time to step up and guys accept that moment, they just got to be ready,” Demary Jr. said. “I think as we get more and more locked in and be more detail oriented, we’ll have better outcomes.”