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5-star Asa Newell propels Georgia basketball past Tennessee Tech

5-star freshman Asa Newell is as good as advertised.

ByTrevor Michael|
Nov 4, 2024; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs forward Asa Newell (14) shoots over Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles forward Ola Ajiboye (8) at Stegeman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Nov 4, 2024; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs forward Asa Newell (14) shoots over Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles forward Ola Ajiboye (8) at Stegeman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Georgia basketball got their season underway Monday night as they faced the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles at home in their season opener. The Bulldogs were massive favorites, but that unfortunately is not how the game played out.

Georgia jumped out to an early seven point lead within the first eight minutes of the game and looked to be cruising to an easy victory, but Tennessee Tech refused to go away. The Golden Eagles always had a response for every Georgia bucket, and were able to keep it close as Georgia only held a 42-38 halftime lead.

The second half was much of the same and even saw Tennessee Tech take a lead early in the half for a few seconds. But Georgia was able to get the lead back, extend it to seven, and hold on for an 83-78 victory against the Golden Eagles.

Asa Newell shines in Georgia debut

Five-star freshman Asa Newell lived up to the hype in his Georgia debut. Newell played 32 minutes and had a game high 26 points to go along with 11 rebounds. He also was a menace on the defensive end, and added one steal and three blocks.

Transfer guard Dakota Leffew shined off the bench for the Bulldogs as well and put up 18 of his own points. RJ Godfrey was the third and final Bulldog to finish in double figures. Similarly to Newell, he finished with a double-double as well with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

All nine Georgia players that played Monday night scored, showing that this Georgia team may be deeper than in previous years.

Don't let one game ruin all hope

Sure a five point win isn't what anyone was hoping for, but it's only the first game of the season. Georgia has so many new faces on this team this season, so it's going to take Mike White some time to figure it out.

But there was one other result on Monday night that should give us all a little hope. Georgia destroyed UCF 114-76 in their second exhibition game last week, and UCF on Monday upset a ranked Texas A&M team 64-61.

Yes this was only an exhibition win and doesn't count for anything, but this win shows just how good this Georgia team can be.

Next up for Georgia is Texas Southern, which will be another home game on Sunday, Nov. 10 at 3:30 pm EST.

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