Overview
- Georgia enters at 12-1, ranked No. 24 in the AP poll, leading Division I at 99.0 points per game and unbeaten at home in nonconference play.
- Auburn is 9-4 after heavy defeats to Arizona, Houston, Michigan and Purdue, with its two road or roadlike games lost by an average of 28.5 points.
- Head coach Steven Pearl cites an eighth-ranked strength of schedule and says the difficult slate should pay dividends as SEC games begin.
- Pearl emphasizes composure and veteran leadership to steady a young roster with numerous newcomers in a hostile environment.
- Guard Kevin Overton has provided recent scoring punch, averaging 22.5 points over the last two games and pacing Auburn in the Purdue loss.