“We didn't take them lightly or anything,” Robinson said. “They just had a good game. They’re a good team and hit a lot of shots. We were just fortunate to get out of there with the win.”
Those words spoken by Georgia Junior Gerald Robinson Jr. rang true after the game because Georgia was indeed fortunate to escape with a victory. The Delta Devils of Mississippi Valley State came to Athens and proceeded to shoot 10-17 from three point range and out rebounded the hometown Bulldogs 37-28 while nearly pulling off the upset. In fact if not for the exceptional play of senior Jeremy Price down the stretch, the Bulldogs would be recovering today from a troublesome loss to start an otherwise promising season.
Price scored eight straight points to help erase a seven point deficit and gave Georgia the lead with 2:23 remaining in the game. He converted two three point plays on successive trips and capped the run with a turnaround jumper in the lane. If Mark Fox's team was wondering who would step up in the absence of Trey Thompkins in a tight game, then Jeremy Price answered the call. For the game, Price finished with 20 points and 5 rebounds but none were bigger than those last eight coming down the stretch.
“We needed somebody to step up and come through with some tough plays. It was just my time. I delivered when I needed to.”
Heroics aside, Mark Fox called this game a learning experience for his team and was less than happy with their perimeter defense and rebounding effort.
“I thought we really got outplayed tonight,” Georgia coach Mark Fox said. “I was really disappointed on how we rebounded the ball and how we defended the 3. … Fortunately we made enough big plays late in the game to get a win, but this was a good game for our team from a learning standpoint.”
Georgia finished the game with three players in double figures scoring. In addition to Price's 20 points, newcomer Gerald Robinson Jr. scored 19 points on 8-14 shooting. Travis Leslie finished with a double double 16 points and 11 rebounds. Leslie was also credited with four blocked shots but also turned the ball over five times. Interestingly Georgia's bench was outscored by a 35-3 margin.
Georgia will be back on the court Tuesday when they host the Colorado Buffaloes at Stegeman.