Georgia Bulldogs are set to compete against Xavier Musketeers at the Shriners Children’s Charleston Classic on Friday at 9:00 p.m. ET, taking place at TD Arena. This tournament also includes teams like Clemson and West Virginia.
Georgia’s Strong Start to the Season
The Bulldogs have experienced a remarkable beginning to the 2025-26 season. As of Thursday, they are positioned in the top-10 nationally for 11 out of 28 official NCAA statistics. Key highlights include:
- No. 1 in fastbreak points, averaging 32.8 points per game.
- No. 1 in blocks, averaging 9.2 per game.
- No. 2 in scoring margin, with a differential of +36.8 points per game.
- No. 3 in bench points, contributing 49.0 points on average.
Georgia’s versatility shines as they have achieved impressive scoring metrics and are ranked highly in adjusted tempo.
Player Highlights
This season, Jeremiah Wilkinson leads the Bulldogs in scoring with 15.6 points per game, followed closely by Blue Cain at 15.0 points, and Jake Wilkins at 12.6 points. Notably, 10 Bulldogs are recognized among the NCAA’s top-450 players according to EvanMiya.com metrics, a distinction shared only with Gonzaga.
Xavier’s Recent Performance
Xavier Musketeers enter this matchup with a 3-2 record under first-year coach Sean Miller. They recently secured a decisive 99-69 victory against Old Dominion. Key players for Xavier include:
- Tre Carroll, leading scorer at 15.0 points per game.
- Roddie Anderson III, averaging 14.8 points per game.
- Jovan Milicevic, contributing 11.2 points per game.
- Filip Borovicanin, averaging 5.4 rebounds per game.
Historical Rivalry
The all-time series between Georgia and Xavier currently favors the Musketeers, 3-2. The teams last met in the opening round of the 2024 NIT, where Georgia narrowly won 78-76 after leading by as much as 23 points.
Another notable encounter occurred during the 2008 NCAA Tournament, where Xavier triumphed 73-61, ending Georgia’s tournament run that year.
Last Game Recap
In their last outing, Georgia achieved a commanding 87-57 victory over Florida A&M, with notable performances from several players. Freshman Jake Wilkins scored 14 points while also contributing five blocks and four steals. Meanwhile, Blue Cain recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Looking Ahead
As Georgia prepares for the challenge against Xavier, they are eager to maintain their momentum and capitalize on their early-season success. The Bulldogs aim to not only secure a victory in Charleston but also to extend their impressive stats as they head into the next round against either Clemson or West Virginia on Sunday.
