Both Georgia and Ole Miss enter Saturday's game facing what can be considered a must-win for two struggling programs if either has any hope for postseason play. Bot the Bulldogs and Rebels are looking to post back-to-back conference wins for the first time this season.
The Bulldogs won their first SEC game of the year against Tennessee on Thursday, 57-53 in OT, thanks in part to the return of leading rebounder Marcus Thornton from a torn meniscus in his left knee. The Athens-Banner Herald spoke to head coach Marc Fox, who credited Thornton's return despite the big man's lack of a stat line:
"Our defense was outstanding and a lot of that was Marcus being back," Fox said. "It makes a big difference for us. The key will be us now making that our habit."
Thornton is Georgia’s most physical player and its top rebounder, averaging 5.4 rebounds per game.
"He brings a lot of toughness, a lot of encouragement," said forward/center John Florveus, a junior college transfer. "He’s very supportive, strong. He brings us together and helps us with better chemistry."
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