Georgia has enjoyed a strong start to the season, registering dominant victories over lesser opponents such as Bellarmine, Maryland Eastern Shore, and Florida A&M. However, their only significant challenge came from Georgia Tech, who pushed the Bulldogs to within five points. As the season progresses, Georgia Tech, currently ranked 95th in KenPom, serves as a benchmark for teams looking to gauge their competitiveness against top teams like Georgia.
Much like Georgia, Xavier has faced a manageable schedule so far, with their only notable contest being against Iowa. This presents an opportunity for Xavier to gauge their capabilities against a team that has put together some impressive performances. Xavier has struggled offensively, which may hinder their efforts against Georgia’s relentless defense. Georgia’s strategy heavily emphasizes aggressive inside play, where they excel at offensive rebounding and limit their errors, contributing to their unblemished record.
On the offensive end, Georgia’s approach prioritizes attacking the paint rather than relying on outside shooting, a strategy reinforced by their team statistics that show they struggle with three-point shooting. The Bulldogs excel in getting second chances and have an impressive defensive record, particularly in terms of blocking shots and causing turnovers. However, their vulnerability lies in rebounding, particularly defensive rebounding—a critical area Xavier will need to exploit.
Key players for Georgia include Jordan Ross, the floor general leading the charge with his fostering ability, and Jeremiah Wilkinson, the team’s leading scorer who can finish plays at the rim. Blue Cain’s outstanding shooting efficiency further solidifies Georgia’s offensive capabilities. Meanwhile, Xavier relies on Jovan Milicevic, who has shown promising signs in recent games and has been effective from beyond the arc. His emergence could provide much-needed depth in scoring for the Musketeers.
In preparation for their matchup, there are several focal points for Xavier to consider. Limiting Georgia’s ability to shoot from distance and controlling the boards are essential components of their game plan. Georgia’s shooting from beyond the arc has been underwhelming, and Xavier’s defense must take advantage of this weakness while also making their possessions count.
If Xavier can channel the energy demonstrated in their previous matchup against teams like Georgia Tech—characterized by disciplined shooting and ball protection—they have the potential to make this game competitive, providing an exciting atmosphere for fans as both teams are eager to stake their claim early in the season. This matchup promises to be a revealing indicator of Xavier’s potential as they face one of the stronger teams in the nation.