The Georgia Bulldogs (10) will play the Michigan State Spartans (7) in Charlotte on Friday in the second round of this year’s NCAA Tournament.
While the Spartans are March Madness regulars, Georgia will be making its first appearance in the NCAA’s since 2011. In that game, Georgia was also a 10-seed and they played in Charlotte, losing 68-65 to the Washington Huskies.
MSU will be coming into this game red-hot, winning its final four games before losing in overtime to the #6 Wisconsin Badgers in the Big Ten Championship on Sunday.
The Dawgs and Spartans share one common opponent this season – Minnesota; Georgia lost to the Gophers before conference play began, while MSU topped Minnesota in overtime in a league game.
The Spartans appear to be very balanced on offense – much like UGA – with 4 players averaging more than 8 points per game. Michigan State shoots the ball well, connecting on 47% of its field goals and nearly 39% of its shots from beyond the arc this season.
Coach Mark Fox will need a healthy Kenny Gaines on Friday if his Bulldogs hope to play into the weekend in the Queen City.
Hoop Dawg Blog (UGA basketball only) 
one word: Yikes
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Tough draw, but probably the one we deserved. Oh well, let’s get ’em!
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MSU is a helluva 7 seed. They just pushed a 1 seed into overtime the Big 10 final. Can we trade and play Iowa (another 7) instead?
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Opportunity in adversity. A win over a respected MSU will impress.
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If we can play with UK, we can play with anybody….if we are healthy. Let’s hope that the injuries have some time to heal now.
The last time we played in Charlotte, there was a good turnout of UGA fans. I’m hoping that more are willing to make the trek for this bunch. Go Dawgs!
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Kenny Gaines told the Athens Banner-Herald last evening that there was a “7,000% chance that he plays on Friday.”
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This gives us a chance. Play that sweet music Kenny G!
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Not such an impossible task! This MSU team actually mirrors the Dawgs largely! I was quite amused that each network’s analysts glossed right over the Dawgs resume, qualifications and and season in general! Seth Greenburg was particularly spiteful in his comments! Almost as if it was Georgia’s fault that his VT team was overlooked several years ago in his last paying job! Well Seth, we are coming and we are bringing the full faith and force of the “G” with us! Now get out of Charlotte! Go Dawgs!
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Amen, my brother! It’s amazing how “knowledgeable” unemployed former coaches are!
I spoke to a friend in the Athletic Dept yesterday and he said ticket sales were strong. Sic ’em, Dawgs!!
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