Dribble Dawgs Defeat The Citadel

UGA Sports Communications

The Dawgs defeated The Citadel, 95-86, on Tuesday night in Stegeman Coliseum.

Six Georgia players boasted double-digit performances. For the second-straight game, freshman Anthony Edwards led all scorers for Georgia tallying 29 points. Sophomore Amanze Ngumezi’s 10 points tied a career-high and marked only the second time in his career he finished in double-digits. Four other Dawgs recorded double-digit points including senior Tyree Crump (13), graduate transfer Donnell Gresham Jr. (13), junior Rayshaun Hammonds (10) and freshman Sahvir Wheeler (10).

Georgia ended with single-digits in turnovers, committing only eight, a feat that only occurred once last season. Georgia’s defense caused The Citadel to turn the ball over 22 times, resulting in 28 points for Georgia. This bests Georgia’s 2018-19 season-high 24 points off turnovers.

"We found a way to get into the bonus early in both halves,” Coach Tom Crean said. “It was the 11-minute mark in the second half and 12:37 in the first half. The 10 extra free throw makes and the 13 extra free throw attempts were a huge part of the game. There was a lot of youth that came out tonight. We are working constantly to not over help on their dribble, and do a much better job of staying with our man. We have to become a more physical team and figure out ways to help us become that."

Besides an early 2-2 tie, Georgia led for the entire game. All 11 Georgia players who saw the court put points on the board.

Georgia went on a 7-0 run over 52 seconds to take an eight-point lead with eight minutes to play. As a result of a two and half minute scoring drought for The Citadel, Georgia maintained a six-point advantage.

A nine-point lead was capped by Edwards on a fast-break dunk. Shortly following, back-to-back shots from behind the arc gave Georgia its first double-digit lead of the game, 45-35.

As time expired, Edwards notched another steal and sent Georgia into the half leading, 48-40.

Out of the locker room, Georgia jumped out to another double-digit lead. A four-point play from Gresham and a layup from Edwards boosted Georgia to its largest lead of the night, 12, with 15:32 remaining. Edwards scored seven points in 1:20 to maintain the double-digit lead, 67-57.

The Citadel went on a 8-0 run to cut Georgia’s lead to one, 74-73, with 9:40 to play. Georgia quickly responded, scoring on its next four possessions to regain an eight-point advantage.

While The Citadel creeped within two points with 2:39 remaining, baskets from Edwards and Hammonds extended Georgia’s lead yet again, 92-85. The Citadel would score only once more, as Georgia sealed the 95-86 victory.

Georgia returns to action on Friday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m. against Delaware State in Stegeman Coliseum. The contest will be televised on SEC Network.