News flash, the SEC is extremely difficult. Right now, there are five SEC teams in the top 10, nine in the top 25 and most unbelievably and perhaps most unprecedented are the No. 1, 2 and 3 teams in the nation are all from the SEC according to the AP Poll.
Of those nine current top 25 teams, Georgia has already played seven of them, and now will face No. 8 Texas A&M Tuesday night at the Reed Center in College Station for their eighth matchup against a currently ranked SEC foe. In total, this will be Georgia’s 11th matchup against an AP Poll Top 25 opponent this season.
For Mike White and his Georgia basketball team, now is not the time to feel sorry for themselves. Not so long ago, they were ranked No. 23 in Associated Press Coaches Poll, so the talent and potential are there. Georgia’s main issue has not been their competition, it has been themselves. Consistency has plagued this team all season-long.
The Georgia Bulldogs (16-8, 4-7 SEC) face off against No. 8 Texas A&M Bulldogs (18-5, 7-3 SEC) in another critical conference matchup for the Hardwood Dawgs. Both teams come into this contest highly motivated, but make no mistake about it, Georgia needs this one more than the Aggies after a heartbreaking loss last time out.
There is still a chance for Georgia to finish above .500 in the tough Southeastern Conference, but it will not be easy. After tonight’s matchup, three of Georgia’s final six games will be against ranked opponents.
Injury Report
Georgia - Tyrin Lawrence and Dakota Leffew will be out for tonights game.
Texas A&M- No injuries reported.
Georgia vs. Texas A&M Final Odds
Georgia is 1-5 on the road this season, and Texas A&M is 10-1 at home. FanDuel Sportsbook does not like those odds for the Dawgs and is making Texas A&M an 8.5 point home favorite over Georgia. They also have the over-under for this game set at 137.5 points.
Georgia vs. Texas A&M Prediction
Georgia cannot come into this contest trying to get into a shootout with Texas A&M. With Tyrin Lawrence out, that may be too tall of a task to ask this young bunch. Georgia does have a handful of advantages in this matchup, but they must be smart and methodical to bring them into fruition.
The Aggies has experience and upperclass leadership on their side, but rank dead last in the SEC in field goal percentage (42.6%). Georgia needs to play stingy defense tonight and force the Aggies to take lower percentage shots. If Texas A&M can establish a down low presence and knock down their jumpers, this game could get away from the Bulldogs rather quickly.
Georgia is well aware of what is at stake tonight. This is a prime opportunity for them to re-establish themselves as a viable NCAA tournament candidate, but that is easier said than done.
Prediction: Texas A&M wins 78-69.