Georgia Bulldogs Nudge Past Alabama 66-58

Jan 8, 2014; Columbia, MO, USA; Georgia Bulldogs guard Kenny Gaines (12) and Georgia Bulldogs guard Charles Mann (4) and Georgia Bulldogs forward Brandon Morris (31) and Georgia Bulldogs forward Nemanja Djurisic (42) during the second half at Mizzou Arena. The Georgia Bulldogs defeated the Missouri Tigers 70-64. Mandatory Credit: Dak Dillon-USA TODAY Sports

College hoops are now upon us and in full force. The game between the now Georgia Bulldogs (8-6) and the Alabama Crimson Tide (7-8) might have been more entertaining as an SEC football game, but these boys went out there and showed everyone that SEC hoops are serious too. Georgia wound up winning comfortably 66-58.

Guards Kenny Gaines and Charles Mann had 22 points each for the Dawgs–the most scored by any other players on both sides of the ball. The leading scorer for the Tide was guard Trevor Releford, who led Bama despite a terrible day from three–making just one of eight attempts.

The Dawgs attempted an outstanding 44 free throws and made 31 of them for a percentage of 70.5 percent, while the Tide attempted 23 which made a big difference in the outcome of the game. Mann shot 18 of the 44 free throws attempted by the Dawgs.

Georgia was also a lot more efficient on three pointers, making 5 out of 14. The rebound battle was entertaining to watch with the difference being just 9.  The big men for Georgia hosted a block party during this one. The team managed ten of them, and Marcus Thornton repeatedly made his presence known in the paint, and registered five blocks on his own.

Gaines’ 22 points was a career high for him. He scored on 7-14 from the field, 4-7 from three and made each of his four shots from the free throw line. This could be a coming out party for Kenny Gaines and who knows; maybe we’ll see him in the NBA in the near future. This time next year we may be talking about Kenny Gaines scoring a career high in points along side some great NBA talent.

This was a great win in conference for Georgia. They will be looking to make a run for the NCAA Tournament and bring Georgia some recognition in their hoops department.