Georgia Bulldogs to take on No. 16 Kentucky Wildcats

LEXINGTON, Ky. — While their football counterparts get ready for a challenge New Year’s Day that could take them to the cusp of a national championship, the Georgia Bulldogs basketball team is wrapping up 2017 with a big challenge also — opening its SEC play Sunday against perennial hoops powerhouse No. 16 Kentucky at Rupp Arena.

The Dawgs and Wildcats tip off at 6 p.m.

At 9-2, the Bulldogs have matched coach Mark Fox’s best start at UGA, 2010-11 when his squad reached the NCAA Tournament. The Wildcats are 10-2 on the season.

The Bulldogs’ win tally this season includes victories against a trio of 2017 NCAA Tournament teams – No. 21 Saint Mary’s, Marquette and Winthrop, along with decisive decisions over Georgia Tech and Temple just before the Christmas break.

Yante Maten, a National Player of the Year candidate, preseason SEC Player of the Year honoree and reigning SEC Player of the Week, leads Georgia with averages of 20.2 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. Those efforts ranks second and first, respectively, among league leaders.