Preview: Mizzou Hoops Looks to Keep Pace in Tight SEC with Road Matchup at Georgia

Wednesday night was a perfect example of a complete team performance from a group determined to win. Mizzou scored efficiently on offense and played outstanding defense, limiting a strong Oklahoma squad’s scoring opportunities.

With the win, the Tigers improved to 18-6 overall, boasting a solid 7-4 record in SEC play.

Despite their dominance at home this season (16-1), the Tigers have struggled on the road, posting a 2-4 record, including multiple close losses in key moments. That makes Saturday’s matchup against Georgia even more crucial as they look to secure a much-needed road win.

With just seven games left in the 2024-25 regular season, only three will be played at Mizzou Arena. That means head coach Dennis Gates and the Tigers must find a way to win consistently on the road as they approach the SEC Tournament—and, if all goes as planned, the NCAA Tournament, where no games will be played in Columbia.

Georgia enters the game near the bottom of the SEC standings, but given the strength of the conference, that doesn’t mean they aren’t a formidable opponent.

The Bulldogs hold a 16-9 record, with 13 of those wins coming at home. They’ve also secured four victories in SEC play, proving they can compete against quality opponents.

Georgia’s non-conference schedule featured mostly dominant wins, aside from a blowout loss to No. 18 Marquette and an impressive upset victory at No. 9 St. John’s. In SEC play, they have taken care of business against Oklahoma, South Carolina, LSU, and No. 15 Kentucky.

Georgia also suffered narrow defeats to No. 22 Mississippi State and No. 1 Auburn, losing by a combined three points. Head coach Mike White, who previously led Florida and Louisiana Tech, has proven he can build a competitive team, making the Bulldogs a squad Mizzou cannot afford to overlook.

Postseason success has been rare for Georgia over the past decade. The Bulldogs haven't reached the NCAA Tournament since the 2014-15 season, when they were eliminated in the second round. They also hadn’t been ranked in the AP Top 25 since 2010—until earlier this season, when they briefly held the No. 23 spot.

Georgia has reached the 20-win mark just three times this century and hasn’t advanced past the second round of the NCAA Tournament since the 1995-96 season. The Bulldogs are long overdue for a deep postseason run, and this year’s squad has the potential to make it happen.

Georgia’s offense runs through freshman Asa Newell. Despite being in his first collegiate season, the seven-footer has started every game and has been a pleasant surprise for the Bulldogs on the offensive end.

Newell leads the team in minutes, averaging just under 30 per game, while also topping Georgia in scoring (15 points per game) and rebounding (7 per game). He’s an efficient shooter at 55% from the field but has yet to develop a reliable three-point shot.

In addition to his offensive contributions, Newell is a strong defender, averaging a block and a steal per game while committing just one turnover per contest. He’s a well-rounded player and Georgia’s clear go-to option on offense.

In four of Georgia’s nine losses, Newell has struggled with inefficient shooting and scored below his season average. This makes containing him the biggest key for Mizzou in securing a victory against the Bulldogs.

Georgia's defense is one of the best in the SEC, with six players averaging at least one steal per game and three players recording at least one block per game.

Overall, Georgia doesn’t rely on flashy scorers, but they are an efficient, well-balanced team. Each player understands their role and executes it consistently, making them a tough matchup for any opponent when they find their rhythm.

While Saturday afternoon’s 2:30 p.m. tipoff has the makings of another big win for the Tigers, it could easily turn into a trap game if Mizzou overlooks its next opponent.