Georgia is very lucky to only be down nine points as they head into halftime trailing Xavier 28-19. The numbers for the Bulldogs are ugly. Georgia shot just 22 percent from the field in the first half and is 2-13 from three-point range. Georgia also turned the ball over nine times which helped provide easy opportunities for the Musketeers in transition. Xavier started the game with a 10-0 run and Georgia didn't score their first points until around the 13 minute mark of the first half.
Yet the Bulldogs only trail by nine points thanks in part to seven offensive rebounds and some pretty good defense in the half court set. Gerald Robinson scored five straight points at one point in the first half but picked up his second foul and spent the rest of the half on the bench. Vincent Williams leads the Bulldogs with six points and also has two steals. Dustin Ware has five points and Donte Williams three to round out the scoring for Georgia. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was held scoreless in the first half going 0-4 from the field with all of his attempts coming from three-point range.
Kenny Frease and Mark Lyons each have six points for Xavier. Tu Holloway, Dezmine Wells and Travis Taylor all have four points.
The Musketeers have defended the perimeter well and coach Mark Fox is going to have to try and find a way to get his team some opportunities going to the basket. The Bulldogs are once again relying heavily on the three-point shot but isn't finding the range against a solid Xavier defensive effort.
For more on this game be sure to check out Dawg Sports and Banners On The Parkway.