Game Preview: Alabama vs Georgia
When: Tuesday, January 25 at 6:30 pm ET on SEC Network
Location: Stegeman Coliseum, Athens, GA
After a 1-3 start to the month of January, Alabama has started to build a bit of momentum as the Crimson Tide are coming off back-to-back home wins last week over then No. 13 LSU and Missouri.
Bringing the Crimson Tide’s record to 13-6 (4-3 in SEC) in the process, Alabama has a prime opportunity on Tuesday night against a struggling Georgia team to keep that momentum going, ahead of a looming showdown with defending national champion Baylor on Saturday afternoon. Now yes, you absolutely never want to look ahead, especially with a road SEC contest, but there is no denying that the Crimson Tide will be a big favorite against the Bulldogs.
In what is year No. 4 under head coach Tom Crean, the Bulldogs have struggled mightily to the tune of a 5-14 record this season, as well as an 0-6 start to SEC play. Having lost eight consecutive games, Georgia is one of the worst Power 5 teams in the country in some metrics, as well as only averaging 69.9 PPG while allowing 75.9 PPG.
Despite the Bulldogs struggles, Georgia has gotten strong play from a few players in particular such as Kario Oquendo and Braelen Bridges, each of whom average 12+ PPG, as well as point guard Aaron Cook who ranks among the top of the SEC with 6.1 APG. The Georgia rotation goes seven-to-eight players deep, and despite each averaging 5+ PPG, are not the strongest three-point shooting team altogether at a combined 31.7%, but do have two guards shooting 40+% from deep in Noah Baumann and Jaxon Etter.
While the Crimson Tide have struggled in true road games this season at 1-3, this is certainly a game that Alabama should win. Yes, Georgia will likely keep this game close early on, but expect the Crimson Tide to pull away early on in the second half.
Prediction: Alabama 85, Georgia 70