Mercer vs. Georgia preview: Bulldogs try to get back on track against Bears

The Georgia Bulldogs haven't jumped out to the start they were hoping for, winning just two of their first nine games. Georgia will try to right the ship Tuesday night against Mercer at Stegeman Coliseum in Athens, Ga.

Georgia's (2-7) only wins this season came against Jacksonville and East Tennessee State. The Bulldogs have lost to such powerhouses as Indiana and UCLA, but they've also fallen to the likes of Youngstown State, Southern Miss and Iona. Against Mercer, Georgia will try to avoid a loss to the Bears for the first time since Jan. 10, 1959.

After losing four of five, Mercer (6-5) has won three of its last four games, including an upset victory at defending ACC Tournament champion Florida State. Senior guard Travis Smith leads the Bears in scoring, averaging 10.5 points per game.

The lone bright spot for Georgia this season has been sophomore guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who is averaging 17.4 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. No no other Bulldog is scoring more than 7.6 points per contest. Georgia's 39.5 field goal percentage ranks 298th in the nation.

Tip-off is set for 11:30 a.m. ET, and the game can be viewed at georgiadogs.com.