The Georgia Bulldogs, currently sitting at 17-8 overall, are set to host the Texas Longhorns, who boast a 16-9 record, in a non-conference matchup that could have real consequences for both teams' tournament resumes. Over their last five games, Georgia has struggled, averaging 77.8 points per game while allowing 85.8 points per game, resulting in a 1-4 record during that stretch, with their lone win coming against LSU, where they scored 83 points. In contrast, Texas has been on a tear, averaging 81.8 points per game over their last five, while holding their opponents to 73.6 points per game, outscoring them by an average of 8.2 points, and compiling a 4-1 record, with their only loss coming against Auburn, where they scored 82 points.
As we delve into the individual player performances, it's essential to consider the matchups and recent trends.
Texas Longhorns' Recent Scoring Surge
Texas has been led by their strong offense, which has been clicking on all cylinders, with several players contributing to their scoring efforts. On the other hand, Georgia has struggled to find consistency on the defensive end, allowing an average of 85.8 points per game over their last five. If Georgia can manage to slow down Texas's offense, they may be able to stay competitive in this game. Notably, Georgia's recent form has seen them being outscored by an average of 8.0 points per game, which is a concerning trend heading into this matchup. Texas, on the other hand, has been on a roll, with their 4-1 record over the last five games being a reflection of their recent form, where they have outscored their opponents by an average of 8.2 points per game.
The CHD Scout prediction has Texas winning by 2.8 points, with Georgia having a 40.2% win probability.
CHD Scout Prediction
Texas
83
Georgia
80
This prediction can be attributed to Texas's strong offense, which has been averaging 81.8 points per game over their last five, as well as their ability to outscore their opponents by an average of 8.2 points per game during that stretch. Additionally, Georgia's defensive struggles, allowing an average of 85.8 points per game over their last five, may prove to be a significant factor in this game. Texas's recent form, where they have won four of their last five games, including victories over Missouri, Ole Miss, and South Carolina, also contributes to their favorable prediction. Georgia, on the other hand, has struggled recently, losing four of their last five games, including losses to Oklahoma, Florida, Texas A&M, and Tennessee.
As we examine the tournament stakes, a win for Georgia would be a significant boost to their resume, considering they are currently solidly in the tournament field, but a loss could potentially drop them to the bubble.
On the other hand, a win for Texas would further solidify their position in the tournament field, while a loss would not significantly harm their chances, given their current standing. It's worth noting that Georgia's recent 1-4 stretch has seen them score an average of 77.8 points per game, while allowing 85.8 points per game, resulting in a -8.0 point differential per game. In contrast, Texas's 4-1 stretch has seen them score an average of 81.8 points per game, while allowing 73.6 points per game, resulting in a +8.2 point differential per game. A win for either team would be a valuable addition to their resume, especially considering the Quad 1 nature of this matchup for Texas and the Quad 2 nature for Georgia.
In terms of recent trends, Georgia's 77.8 points per game average over their last five games is a significant drop from their overall season average, and their defensive struggles have been a major concern. Texas, on the other hand, has been consistent on the offensive end, averaging 81.8 points per game over their last five, and their defense has been stout, allowing just 73.6 points per game during that stretch. If Georgia can find a way to slow down Texas's offense and get their own defense back on track, they may be able to pull off the upset. However, based on recent form, it seems that Texas has the upper hand in this matchup, with their strong offense and defense making them a formidable opponent. Texas's ability to outscore their opponents by an average of 8.2 points per game over their last five, combined with Georgia's struggles on defense, makes it likely that Texas will come out on top in this game.